Does the Menu Task Predict Occupational Performance, Readmissions, and Falls After Stroke?

Abstract

Cognitive screening is crucial for all stroke clients since not identifying cognitive impairments can negatively affect health outcomes. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a commonly used neuropsychological screen in the acute setting. However, the Menu Task (MT), a standardized performance-based functional cognitive screen, may be better at identifying cognitive deficits in this population. This study aimed to determine (a) the correlation between the MT and the MoCA, and (b) which screen better predicts outcomes (occupational performance, falls, and readmissions) in stroke patients with mild cognitive deficits. Using a prospective predictive design, both screens were administered to 80 hospitalized adults upon admission. Thirty days postdischarge occupational performance, as per the modified Rankin Scale and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, falls and readmissions data were collected. The results showed a small, nonsignificant positive correlation between the screens and the MT may be a better predictor of occupational performance and readmissions 1 month postdischarge.