ICCR Program Presentation at ASHA Conference
Boston University Center for Brain Recovery Presents ICCR’s Innovative Approach to ABI Telerehabilitation
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, technological advancements have paved the way for transformative changes in patient care. Boston University’s Center for Brain Recovery has developed an innovative program for rehabilitation of young adults with brain injury who struggle to return to their education goals. The Intensive Comprehensive Cognitive Rehabilitation Program provides intensive cognitive rehabilitation for these adults so that they can return to college to complete their education. The Intensive Comprehensive Cognitive Rehabilitation (ICCR) program began in 2016 as a research project and now in 2022 is a private-pay program for young adults all over the country. The mechanics of this ICCR program was recently showcased at the annual ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Convention held in Boston.
The presentation at the convention was titled “Enhancing ABI Telerehabilitation with an Immersion Week: Satisfaction for Clients, Trainees, and Supervisors,” and shed light on a few pioneering initiatives undertaken by the ICCR program. This program, which has operated remotely since the onset of the pandemic, introduced a unique in-person component known as “Immersion Week” in January 2022.
The already innovative ICCR program focused on rehabilitation, academic development and individual speech-language therapy is further enhanced by the immersion week which focuses on social interaction . Students enrolled in the ICCR program are invited to Boston for Immersion Week, where they completed structured assessments and a variety of planned activities. These activities range from structured outings like scavenger hunts, movie nights, dinners, and visits to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), to spontaneous events such as grabbing coffee or planning dinners among themselves.
The significance of this immersive experience lies not only in the structured activities but also the community of individuals with the shared experience of recovering from brain injury. These interactions extend beyond the clinical setting, allowing for a more profound understanding of each other’s experiences and challenges.
The impact of Immersion Week goes beyond its immediate participants. By integrating trainees, supervisors, and clients in this immersive experience, the program promotes a sense of community and support that is most important in recovery. Participants with ABIs not only receive therapeutic care but also find comfort in social activities, combating the isolation that often accompanies brain injury recovery.
Additionally, the program sets a new benchmark in telehealth practices by recognizing the importance of in-person connections. It exemplifies a balanced approach that captures the convenience and accessibility of tele-rehabilitation with the irreplaceable aspect of in person social engagement.
Christianna Gilbert, Meredith MacEachern, Jacquelyn Moynihan, and Swathi Kiran’s, presentation not only highlights a successful implementation but also serves as an inspiration for healthcare professionals seeking to bridge the gap between remote services and the need for personal connection in rehabilitation.
In conclusion, the ICCR program’s Immersion Week in the context of telerehabilitation care provides an innovative example of in-persion social interaction in the context of virtual/remote therapy. . It not only enriches the educational experience of trainees but also significantly improves the well-being of clients with ABIs. This pioneering approach sets a precedent for redefining tele-rehabilitation by emphasizing the significance of human connections in the digital age. The creativity and success of this program was highlighted as part of ASHA’s selection of this presentation as the 2023 ASHA Convention Changemaker Session. ASHA’s criteria for selection and promotion of changemaker sessions was as follows: (1) Potential to make an important or significant positive change at the patient, systemic or discipline level, (2) Strong evidence that the work presented has had a significant impact, or has the potential to provoke important change, at the individual, systemic, or discipline level, and (3) Transformative research or clinical work that has dramatically changed the practices or future research (e.g., Contributes to new best practices).
The Center for Brain Recovery is renowned for its innovative research and clinical programs, and we are very proud to be recognized by ASHA as one of its 2023 Changemaker Session!
Interested in the program? Visit our clinical programs page for more information!