Testing a Group Memory Training Program for People With Brain Injuries

This manualized, group-based memory intervention involves six weekly, two-hour sessions (including a break). Group sizes should be from 3 to 10 participants, as recommended by the developers, with two group leaders (psychologists/neuropsychologists). Each session encompasses education about memory and factors influencing optimal memory function, and training in the use of compensatory memory strategies (both internal strategies and external memory aids). Group exercises and discussions, as well as homework tasks between sessions, are used to facilitate learning and generalisation of memory skills. The two-hour sessions are divided into approximately 15 minutes for reviewing homework and repetition from previous sessions; 20-30 minutes for the educational component; 60-80 minutes for practising strategies and discussing their application; 10 minutes for a break. Full details of the memory intervention, including instructional guidelines, description of exercises, handouts and supporting materials, can be found in the published manual. The memory training program will constitute a new treatment intervention in the health region of Northern Norway, and the need to carry out feasibility studies as part of the development of complex interventions has been pointed out. Hence, the objective of this study is to identify and evaluate obstacles to delivery and implementation of the program through a feasibility and acceptability study. Effectiveness of the intervention will depend on sufficient feasibility, and will also be evaluated. The study has two aims. First, the investigators aim to explore the feasibility of delivering the intervention, and the patients acceptability of the intervention, in order to achieve optimal efficacy. Second, the investigators will explore the effectiveness of the memory training program on participants' memory functioning. Research question 1 What is the feasibility of the intervention, considering a) the demand for the treatment as assessed through a) Recruitment, b) Adherence, c) Acceptability by participants, and d) Format of delivery. Research question 2 Does a group-based 6 week memory training program improve objective and subjective memory functioning in individuals with memory complaints after ABI? The aim of the program is to enhance memory functioning on one or more measures of subjective and objective memory, number of memory strategies used in daily life, and/or personal goal attainment.