Neuro Navigators Episode 25: The Power of Strategy: How Do We Optimize Independence?

In this episode, host J.J. Mowder-Tinney sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L, FACRM, FAOTA, to challenge how we view the "silent epidemic" of cognitive impairments in rehabilitation. They explore moving from traditional "drill and repeat" exercises to Strategy Training. This metacognitive approach helps clients lead their recovery through active learning. You’ll discover how the START framework uncovers subtle executive function deficits, supporting greater independence for even complex patients. Learn how slowing down your clinical approach can accelerate patients’ return to meaningful community participation.Addendum:This episode discusses Strategy Training for individuals who can learn new skills and generalize them, such as people with acquired brain injury. Dr. Skidmore notes that Strategy Training is not suitable for individuals with moderate to severe dementia or significant clinical apathy. For these populations, clinicians should instead focus on errorless learning and habit training to help maintain structured routines.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around attention and executive function after acquired brain injuryApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably improve rehabilitation outcomes for this populationSolve patient case scenarios focused on achieving community independence and participation after acquired brain injuryTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to cognitive rehabilitation(00:02:48) Understanding cognitive impairments(00:06:00) Screening and assessment tools(00:08:50) Communicating cognitive changes(00:11:53) Interventions for cognitive impairments(00:15:10) Metacognitive strategies in therapy(00:18:00) Guided discovery in practice(00:20:59) Addressing attention and executive function(00:23:45) Real-life application of strategies(00:28:00) Building client independence(00:33:50) Engaging family in therapy(00:45:30) Impactful takeaways for therapists(00:55:18) Conclusion and reflectionsNeuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/