Goal‑directed telehealth training to improve attention and executive function in veterans with chronic TBI
Goal-oriented Rehabilitation of Executive Functioning Using Video-telehealth to Improve Community Reintegration for Veterans With Chronic TBI and Cognitive Difficulties
This project will try video telehealth training that practices attention and executive skills to help veterans with chronic mild-to-moderate TBI improve community reintegration.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07190365 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The intervention delivers goal-directed cognitive rehabilitation focused on attentional control and executive skills through video telehealth, using personally relevant community goals chosen by each veteran. The study enrolls about 80 veterans with chronic mild-to-moderate TBI and cognitive difficulties and measures feasibility, acceptability, and changes immediately after training and again at six months. Outcomes include community integration and functional gains from practicing skills in real-world activities. The protocol adapts evidence-based in-person cognitive training to remote delivery to increase access for veterans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans aged 18–65 with a history of mild-to-moderate TBI at least six months prior, who have cognitive difficulties that affect daily life, at least a high-school education, and interest in improving community reintegration.
Not a fit: Patients with severe amnesia, active substance dependence, unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, or recent psychotropic medication changes are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help veterans regain everyday functioning and succeed in work, school, and community roles by strengthening attention and executive control through remote sessions.
How similar studies have performed: In-person, goal-directed executive function rehabilitation has shown promise, but telehealth delivery for chronic TBI is a newer adaptation with limited prior validation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * History of mild to moderate TBI \> 6 months ago * Cognitive difficulties affecting daily functioning * Age 18-65 * Veteran * At least 12th grade education or equivalent \* Interested in improving community reintegration Exclusion Criteria: * Amnesic/Severe memory problems * Active Substance Abuse/Dependence * Medical condition that may affect mental status/disrupt study participation * Active psychotropic medication changes
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tatjana Novakovic-Agopian, PhD — VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
- Study coordinator: Tatjana Novakovic-Agopian, PhD
- Email: tatjana.novakovic-agopian@va.gov
- Phone: (415) 753-3888
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.