‘SIFT’ that social information! Feasibility of a novel social cognition treatment for people with acquired brain injury

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a novel social cognition group treatment program (SIFT IT! The Social Thinking Therapy) for people with acquired brain injury. Feasibility and initial efficacy outcomes were assessed at three time-points in an RCT design. In total, 28 participants with acquired brain injury were recruited (out of 46 contacted, a recruitment rate of 60%), of which 23 were eligible for the treatment program (82% eligibility rate). These participants were randomised into either the 'treatment' group (N = 12) or the 'waitlist' group (N = 11, who were offered the treatment group following the second assessment time-point). Ten participants started and completed the 'treatment' group, in which mean attendance rates were 92%. At Time 2, there was a 9% attrition rate and over half of the 'waitlist' participants who were offered to take part in the group program agreed to take part (N = 6). Mean attendance rates in the 'waitlist' group program were 89%. By Time 3, there was further attrition, totalling 17% from baseline (Time 1) to follow-up (Time 3). Of 16 participants who commenced the SIFT IT group program, 94% completed the program (N = 1 withdrew after Session 7 due to return-to-work). Further feasibility and initial efficacy outcomes are now being analysed. Results are expected to be disseminated to participants and published in peer-reviewed journals.