Understanding Everyday Needs of Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments: Insights from Subject Matter Experts

Thursday, October 22, 2020

4:10 PM – 4:27 PM EST

Presenting Author(s)

Elizabeth Lydon, M.S., CCC-SLP

Ph.D. Student
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois

Presentation Slides

Non-presenting Author(s)

MH

Maurita T. Harris, M.S.

Ph.D. Student
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
RM

Raksha Mudar, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Associate Professor
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
Wendy A. Rogers, PhD

Khan Professor of Applied Health Sciences
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois

To gain initial insights into the day-to-day challenges experienced by older adults with cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment [MCI], traumatic brain injury [TBI], and post-stroke [PSCI]) we interviewed SMEs including professionals delivering formal care (e.g., rehabilitation professionals) and informal care partners (e.g., spouse) who have direct experience providing support to an older adult family member with cognitive impairment. SMEs were asked questions about their experiences with activity limitations and the use of supportive aids by care recipients, input about modifications to the content of the interview materials for assessing challenges experienced by older adults with cognitive impairment, and advice about recruitment.

Learning Objectives:

recognize the value in receiving input from formal interdisciplinary professionals and informal care partners
describe the process involved in conducting subject matter expert interviews to obtain inputs about assessment protocols for research studies on age-related cognitive impairment
describe how subject matter expert interviews can be used to refine assessment protocols for research studies