Administering the MET-Home in Adults with Stroke Using a Caregiver-Administered Protocol and Videoconference Software

Research Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of administering the Multiple Errands Test Home Version (MET-Home) via a virtual format for assessing how executive function impairments manifest during daily tasks in the home environment post-stroke (CVA).

Design: This feasibility study incorporated the implementation of the MET-Home with a caregiver administered protocol and a post-assessment interview.

Setting: The participant’s home via video-conferencing software. The assessment protocol was overseen remotely by an occupational therapy student and occupational therapist using video-conferencing technologies.

Participants: Six individuals with CVA and their caregivers (N=12) participated in the study. Mean participant age was 51 years old (27-71). All participants identified as non-Hispanic white and 50% identified as female. 50% were college educated, and 66% reported owning their home.

Interventions: N/A

Main Outcome Measures: Data were collected on screening rates, enrollment rates, and drop-out proportions. Acceptability was measured via completion of the study protocol and through a questionnaire on experience with the assessment and the technology.

Results: The findings suggest the MET-Home is feasible to implement using a caregiver administered protocol and video-conferencing software. Of the participants screened, 86% completed the study. From the questionnaire, 100% of participants reported no difficulty with the online format and ease of instructions, additionally reported being comfortable using telehealth to assess their thinking skills. 50% rated the assessment as being equal to an assessment being conducted traditionally face-to-face; while 25% reported preference for traditional consultation despite possible costs and inconveniences.

Conclusions: Results suggest favorable preliminary feasibility of the MET-Home in a virtual format. Further research is required for definitive data on feasibility.

Author(s) Disclosures: All authors listed declare that they are free from conflicts of interest.