Cognitive Rehabilitation for Refugees With Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Impairment
Feasibility RCT of an Adapted Cognitive Rehabilitation Program for Refugees and Asylum Seekers With TBI and Cognitive Impairment
Massachusetts General Hospital
50 participants
Oct 15, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are looking to see if a program created to help improve thinking and memory can work for refugees with traumatic brain injury (TBI). They're checking if this program is practical and if people find it helpful. The study will have two groups. Participants will complete a first questionnaire and then be assigned to a group by chance. One group will participate in the program immediately and then answer the second questionnaire (approximately 3 months after the first questionnaire they did). Then they will wait and then answer the third and final questionnaire approximately 6 months after the first one. The second group will wait and answer the second questionnaire approximately 3 months after the first one. Then they will receive the program and answer the third and final questionnaire (approximately 6 months after the first one they did.)
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Identify as an asylum seeker, refugee or have been granted asylum or other form of humanitarian relief.
- Mild or moderate TBI sustained after the age of 18
- Age 18-65
- Subjective cognitive impairment
- English or Spanish language proficiency
- Ability to provide verbal informed consent
- Ability and willingness to answer questionnaires and participation in the Intervention
Exclusion Criteria3
- Participation in cognitive rehabilitation treatment current or in past 3 months
- Severe TBI or TBI only sustained under the age of 18
- Diagnosis of bipolar, psychosis, active substance use, self-reported current active suicidal ideation or plan (Potential participants can be screened again after 30 days in the case of suicidal ideation)
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
The intervention will involve 8 proposed individual sessions conducted virtually by a trained bilingual paraprofessional. The intervention will be provided in English or Spanish depending on the participant's preference. The sessions cover psychoeducation about TBI and related symptoms like depression and anxiety, and cognitive activities to address cognitive symptoms (e.g., relaxation strategies and exercises around improving attention, concentration, learning, and memory). Each session covers the topic, real-life examples and practice, and exercises to do outside of the sessions.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06839079