Cognitive Communication Disorders (CCDs) after an acquired brain injury (ABI) are becoming increasingly visible in speech language pathology, neuropsychology and rehabilitation medicine, in clinical practice and in research (Thöne-Otto, 2021; Togher et al., 2023). CCDs are defined as communication difficulties resulting from cognitive dysfunctions (e.g. in attention, executive functions and/or social cognition). These difficulties manifest especially in social communication and may be a burden to successful interpersonal interaction. CCDs are frequent in young adults where communication impairments can limit societal and vocational reintegration and participation enormously. Moderate to mild CCDs may only become noticeable in complex communication situations that place greater (social) cognitive demands on the individual (e.g. situations with background noise, multiple conversation partner). Despite their relevance for everyday life, these communication impairments remain often unrecognized, hindering access to health care for a large number of individuals affected. One reason for this inadequate care is the use of assessments that are not sensitive enough to accurately reflect everyday communication abilities.
In our research project „Digital Assessment of everyday and vocational communication after aquired brain injury“ we want to develop an innovative, real-life oriented diagnostic tool for individuals with CCD after ABI. This assessment, Commbi (Cologne-Bielefeld Communication Assessment Combined), combines two diagnostic methods:
1.Commbi-PROM: a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) for self-evaluation of everyday and vocational communication abilities
2.Commbi-FUNC: a functional assessment of everyday and vocational communication abilities in real-life oriented communication contexts.
The direct interlocking of a functional and a participation measure is a novelty in the field of CCD rehabilitation. Additionally, Commbi distinguishes itself by using innovative technical methods: In order to generate real life-oriented communication contexts, the Commbi-FUNC is to be implemented in virtual reality.
To reassure the clinical relevance and acceptance of ‚Commbi‘ the project integrates co-design: Within a module for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) individuals with CCD after ABI and their relatives are to be involved in the conception process of the Commbi. Additionally, the project will be accompanied by an interdisciplinary Trial-Steering-Committee of clinicians and researchers from the fields of Speech Language Pathology, Neuropsychology and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Trial Steering Commitee: Frank Regenbrecht (Clinical Linguist, University Clinic Leipzig), Dr. Angelika Thöne-Otto (Neuropsychology, University Clinic Leipzig), Prof. Dr. Mathilde Niehaus (Vocational Rehabilitation, University of Cologne)
International Collaborators: Prof Dr. Leanne Togher and Dr. Sophie Brassel (ABI Communication Lab, University of Sydney)
National Collaborators: Prof. Dr. Martina Hielscher-Fastabend (University of Bielefeld)