A Modified Test of Goal-directed Behaviour: a Feasibility Study (NCT07484048) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Modified Test of Goal-directed Behaviour: a Feasibility Study
United Kingdom30 participantsStarted 2025-09-15
Plain-language summary
Cognitive assessment plays an important part in decision making in acute neurological settings, partly because difficulties with cognitive skills such as attention, memory and executive functioning (which includes planning and problem-solving) have direct implications for patents' levels of independence and safety upon discharge.
A bedside cognitive task that could shed light upon a patient's ability to demonstrate effective goal-directed behaviour (potentially along with other aspects of executive functioning such as cognitive flexibility) would be a useful addition to the existing repertoire of bedside cognitive assessments.
One such test could be 'Link's Cube'. The Link's Cube Test is impractical for bedside use in an acute ward setting, as it comprises 27 small blocks. The feasibility study aims to preserve the information that is provided by Link's Cube Test (i.e. an indication of the patient's ability to engage in goal-directed behaviour) whilst altering the testing material such that only nine, slightly larger blocks are used.
The objectives for the feasibility study are:
* To identify any practical difficulties in administration of the tests that may not be apparent without trialling them
* To generate information regarding the timing and sequence of overall administration and in particular the proposed modified Link's Cube test
* To obtain feedback from neuropsychologists about ease of administration of the proposed new test and to obtain their views regarding potential benefits
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria for the main (non-neuropsychologist) element include:
* General population. For convenience at this feasibility study stage this will be largely comprised of colleagues working with GHT, above the age of 18, with no upper age limit.
* Have given informed consent having followed the procedure in the protocol
* Have the physical/sensory abilities to undertake the test procedures (e.g. use of both hands, adequate vision)
* Sufficient English language to be able to follow test instructions
Exclusion criteria for the main (non-neuropsychologist) element include:
* Under the age of 18
* Refusal/inability to give informed consent
* Insufficient English language to be able to follow test instructions
* Using cognitive testing as part of their clinical work, or ongoing familiarity with cognitive tests.
* Working directly with the main investigator.
* Presence of a self-reported cognitive difficulty/neurological condition - not because that in itself would be problematic for test administration or for the information generated, but rather to avoid potential distress to participants were they to find the tests administered challenging.
* Presence of any physical/sensory/cognitive difficulty that would confound administration of the tasks, e.g. being partially sighted or having use of only one upper limb
* There are no exclusion criteria based on gender identity, ethnicity or handedness.
* There are no exclusion criteria relating to medication.
Inclusion criteria f…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Procedural obstacles of the modified Link's Cube test.
Timeframe: Day 1
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07484048
SponsorGloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust