Cognitive remediation in residential substance use treatment: A randomized stepped-wedge trial.

ABSTRACTExecutive dysfunction is common in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and presents a barrier to treatment engagement. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive remediation (CR) for improving executive functioning and treatment retention in patients with SUD, using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial. The sample included 527 adults enrolled across ten residential SUD treatment providers in NSW, Australia. The intervention consisted of 12 hours of CR delivered over six weeks in a group format. The comparator was treatment-as-usual (TAU). Primary outcomes included self-reported executive functioning and proportion of treatment completed (PoTC), measured as the number of days in treatment divided by the planned treatment duration. Intention-to-treat analysis did not find significant differences for self-reported executive functioning (mean difference = -2.49, 95%CI [-5.07, 0.09], p = .059) or PoTC (adjusted mean ratio = 1.09, 95%CI [0.88, 1.36], p = .442). Due to high dropout from the intention-to-treat sample (56%) a post-hoc analysis was conducted using a per-protocol approach, in which CR was associated with improved self-reported executive functioning (mean difference = -3.33, 95%CI [-6.10, -0.57], p = .019) and improved likelihood of treatment graduation (adjusted odds ratio = 2.43, 95%CI [1.43, 4.11], p < .001). More research is required to develop a CR approach that results in service-wide treatment effectiveness.

The Alcohol and Drug Cognitive Enhancement (ACE) Screening Tool: A simple and brief questionnaire to screen for cognitive impairment in substance use disorder treatment services.

The objective of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability; construct and criterion validity; and test operating characteristics of a newly developed cognitive impairment risk factor screening instrument, the Alcohol and Drug Cognitive Enhancement (ACE) Screening Tool. Participants in the validation study were 129 adults with substance use disorder (SUD) enrolled in residential SUD treatment services and 209 normal controls. Test and retest data were available for 36 participants with SUD and 40 normal control individuals on the ACE Screening Tool. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.97). The ACE Screening Tool was significantly correlated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF) and Five Point Test, establishing construct validity. Criterion validity was established using a ternary severity variable constructed using results obtained on the MoCA and BRIEF-A. Test operating characteristics analysis showed 93% sensitivity, 46% specificity, 33% positive predictive power, and 96% negative predictive power using a cut-score of >3. Those high levels of sensitivity and negative predictive power indicated that the tool would likely detect cognitive impairment when present and should therefore be considered suitable as an initial screening tool for cognitive impairment in individuals attending SUD services.

A stepped wedge cluster randomised trial of a cognitive remediation intervention in alcohol and other drug (AOD) residential treatment services.

BACKGROUND: Executive functioning impairment is common in substance use disorder and is a major risk factor for poor treatment outcomes, including treatment drop-out and relapse. Cognitive remediation interventions seek to improve executive functioning and offer a promising approach to increase the efficacy of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatments and improve long-term therapeutic outcomes. This protocol describes a study funded by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation that assesses the effectiveness of delivering a six-week group-based intervention of cognitive remediation in an ecologically valid sample of people attending residential AOD treatment services. We primarily aim to investigate whether cognitive remediation will be effective in improving executive functioning and treatment retention rates. We will also evaluate if cognitive remediation may reduce long-term AOD use and rates of health service utilisation, as well as improve personal goal attainment, quality of life, and client satisfaction with treatment. In addition, the study will involve an economic analysis of the cost of delivering cognitive remediation. METHODS/DESIGN: The study uses a stepped wedge cluster randomised design, where randomisation will occur at the cluster level. Participants will be recruited from ten residential AOD treatment services provided by the non-government sector. The intervention will be delivered in 12 one-hour group-based sessions over a period of six weeks. All participants who are expected to receive treatment for the duration of the six-week intervention will be asked to participate in the study. The clusters of participants who are randomly assigned to the treatment condition will complete cognitive remediation in addition to treatment as usual (TAU). Primary and secondary outcome assessments will be conducted at pre-cognitive remediation/TAU phase, post-cognitive remediation/TAU phase, two-month follow-up, four-month follow-up, six-month follow-up, and eight-month follow-up intervals. DISCUSSION: This study will provide comprehensive data on the effect of delivering a cognitive remediation intervention within residential AOD treatment services. If shown to be effective, cognitive remediation may be incorporated as an adjunctive intervention in current treatment programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12618001190291 . Prospectively registered 17th July 2018.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is Sensitive to Head Injury and Cognitive Impairment in a Residential Alcohol and Other Drug Therapeutic Community.

INTRODUCTION: Retaining clients in residential alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment is difficult and cognitive impairment has been identified as a significant predictor of treatment dropout. The application of extensive screening for cognitive impairment is cost-prohibitive for most AOD treatment services. The current study aimed to explore cognitive functioning and impairment-associated factors in a typical sample of residential AOD clients using a free brief screening tool that could be utilised by front-line AOD services. METHODS: Residents of an AOD therapeutic community (n=128) and a non-substance using control group (n=37) were administered a brief cognitive screening measure, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). MoCA total and domain scores were compared between these groups and within the AOD group examined in association with primary substance of misuse, severity of dependence, gender, psychological distress, and history of head injury. RESULTS: Almost half (43.8%) of the AOD sample were identified as cognitively impaired, compared to 16.2% of the control group. Furthermore, 67.2% of the AOD sample had sustained head injuries and 50% of the sample required hospitalization for head injury. History of head injury was a significant determinant of cognitive impairment, and associated with greater levels of psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: There are high rates of inter-related cognitive impairment, head injuries, and psychological distress among clients in residential AOD treatment. Routine screening of clients at intake for cognitive impairment by means of a brief screening measure such as the MoCA, in combination with the assessment of history of head injuries and comorbid psychological disorders, could inform treatment modifications or adjunct interventions to increase retention and improve long-term outcomes.