Patient-Centered Neuroplasticity Task Force

Mission:

The mission of our task force is to facilitate patient engagement in cognitive rehabilitation through patient-centered translation of neuroplasticity literature through psychoeducation incorporated embedded at various points of intervention within treatment sessions. The presentation of neuroplasticity – which underlies functional change and progress subsequent to brain injury – may enhance patient empowerment and encourage participation in the multiple and effortful components of cognitive remediation treatment. By employing a patient-centric, strengths-based approach to experience-dependent neuroplasticity enable the patient to conceptualize their own care as an internally attributable process that returns the locus of control to the patient. In doing so, the patient can derive motivational enhancement in being their own change agent, with the treatment serving a supportive and guiding role in the recovery. With neuroplasticity as the central touchstone for treatment, the patient and treater can collaboratively build awareness of an internally mediated process of recovery, highlighting patients unique role in facilitating this process, thereby creating a foundation to shift beliefs and behaviors through helping patients understand the existence of neuroplasticity thus diminishing the patient/provider power dynamic. The task force will develop new educational materials for both patients and clinicians through collaborative projects, conference presentations, and publications.

Goals:

Publishable product: I/EP, manuscript or Poster during the conference)
A symposium during the Annual ACRM Conference

CO-CHAIRS

Amanda Sacks-Zimmerman, Ph.D., ABPP-CN;

CO-CHAIR

Associate Professor of Neuropsychology in Neurological Surgery
Co-Director of Externship Training
Weill Cornell Medicine

Heidi A. Bender, Ph.D., ABPP-CN;

CO-CHAIR

Associate Professor of Neuropsychology in Neurological Surgery
Director of Clinical Services
Weill Cornell Medicine

JOIN THE TASK FORCE

Thank you for being a part of the NNG Patient-Centered Neuroplasticity Task Force! We love that the ACRM attracts the most passionate interdisciplinary mix of rehabilitation pros from around the world. What an honor to collaborate with such driven individuals. We hope to meet with you at our upcoming networking group meeting to discuss current projects and opportunities for contribution and collaboration.