A meta-analytic review examining the validity of tests of executive functioning to predict functional, driving and employment outcomes in individuals with a traumatic brain injury; and, An evaluation of the convergent validity of a face-to-face and virtual neuropsychological assessment

Krynicki, Carl Ryszard ORCID: 0000-0003-0943-5142 (2022). A meta-analytic review examining the validity of tests of executive functioning to predict functional, driving and employment outcomes in individuals with a traumatic brain injury; and, An evaluation of the convergent validity of a face-to-face and virtual neuropsychological assessment. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Rationale
Executive functions represent an important domain of abilities that are vital for purposeful goal-directed behaviour. Disruption to these functions is commonly seen in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Previous findings have suggested a link between executive functioning and cognitive recovery, although the evidence for this is mixed. Others have suggested a link between executive functioning and functional outcomes.
Method
A meta-analytic review was conducted. A total of 720 articles were identified from EMBASE, PsychInfo and MEDLINE, and further two articles were hand-searched from references. Twenty-four met inclusion criteria and were included in the review.
Results
The Trail Making Test (part B) (TMT-B) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were significantly associated with functional outcomes following a TBI. Verbal Fluency was not significantly associated with functional outcome following a TBI. The TMT-B was also associated with a person’s ability to return to driving following a TBI, although there were only three studies reporting this outcome. No test of executive functioning was associated with employment outcomes following a TBI, although only four studies were included in this analysis.
Conclusion
Tests of executive functioning, specifically the TMT-B and WCST, were associated with functional outcomes following a TBI, which is important to guide rehabilitation strategies and future planning (such as care needs). This meta-analytic review has also highlighted the scarcity of research in specific outcomes (such as employment and driving).

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):