Actively Recruiting
Cognitive Remediation in Forensic Mental Health Care
Led by The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre · Updated on 2025-12-12
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Forensic patients often face challenges with executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and controlling behavior, which can hinder their rehabilitation and reintegration. This trial evaluates whether cognitive remediation, a method involving cognitive exercises combined with coaching, can improve cognitive, functional, and clinical outcomes in forensic inpatients. The study focuses on a group of 30 forensic patients aged 18 to 55 and aims to explore improvements that may reduce hospitalization length and recidivism. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving computerised cognitive remediation exercises with tele-health coaching, and the other receiving an active control intervention with similar exercises and discussions also delivered via tele-health. The treatment lasts for 12 hours over 6 weeks. Details of the control condition are withheld to maintain participant blinding. The study also includes a follow-up period to assess lasting effects. During the study, participants will be assessed on executive function before and after training, as well as at a 12-week follow-up. Researchers will also measure oppositional behavior, functional capacity, and mental health symptoms before and after the intervention and at follow-up. The study uses computerized tasks, tele-health sessions, and various clinical assessments to monitor progress. Participation spans from initial screening through a 12-week post-treatment observation period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cognitive Remediation in Forensic Mental Health Care
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 55 years
- Ability to read and speak fluent English
- Current inpatient on a Forensic Treatment Unit
You will not qualify if you...
- Intellectual disability
- Traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness followed by severe neurological problems requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants complete 12 hours of computerised cognitive remediation or active control exercises with coaching via tele-health over 6 weeks to improve executive functions and related outcomes.
Sessions conducted via tele-health, schedule dependent on participant availability
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants are assessed to evaluate the persistence of cognitive, functional, and clinical improvements 12 weeks after completing treatment.
Assessments within 1 week before and 1 week after treatment, and at 12-week follow-up
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1Z 7K4
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Patrizia Pezzoli, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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