Feasibility of telephone and computerized cognitive testing as a secondary outcome in an acute stroke clinical trial: A mixed methods sub-study of the AcT Trial

Introduction Post-stroke cognitive impairment is associated with impaired quality of life. Remote testing provides a potential avenue to measure cognitive outcomes efficiently. Patients and Methods Prospective cognitive outcomes were collected at 90–180 days using both telephone MoCA (T-MoCA; range 0–22; <17 impairment) and Creyos, a computerized cognitive battery. Key variables associated with completion were assessed using logistic regressions. Mixed methods brief structured interviews and exit survey were performed to explore barriers to completing computer testing. Results Of 791 potentially eligible patients (mean age 70 ± 14 years), there was low feasibility of remote cognitive testing, with only 401 (51%) completing the T-MoCA, and 242 (31%) completing Creyos. Our regression models show that age (ORT-MoCA: 0.95 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.94–0.97); ORCreyos: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.94–0.96)), functional impairment (mRS 2–5; ORT-MoCA: 0.55 (95% CI: 0.37–0.81); ORCreyos: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.44–0.98)), quality of life (EQ-VAS; ORT-MoCA: 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01–1.03); ORCreyos: OR:1.02 (95% CI: 1.01–1.03)) and length of hospital stay (ORT-MoCA: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99); ORCreyos: 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94–0.99)) predicted both telephone and computer cognitive test completion; computer literacy predicted computer test completion (ORCreyos: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04–1.21)). In interviews, a preference for accessibility of computerized testing was reported. Discussion Remote cognitive testing has limited feasibility as a secondary outcome in large acute stroke trials. Patients who are older, with worse quality of life, or severe functional impairment post-stroke are less likely to complete remote cognitive outcomes. Conclusion Innovative approaches to post-stroke cognitive outcomes in acute stroke trials are needed. Data Access Data available upon request.