Evaluating the test-retest reliability of a computerised assessment that measures cognitive ability to drive: Functional outcome assessment following treatment for brain tumour

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability of a computerised assessment (DriveSafe DriveAware) that measures cognitive ability to drive. This was with a view to support future research to assess the suitability of DriveSafe DriveAware for use as a repeated measure of high-level cognition that can be quickly administered to brain tumour patients in a clinic or hospital setting. METHOD: DriveSafe DriveAware iPad version (DSDA) was administered to 40 healthy adults with a current drivers’ licence and then repeated 6 weeks and then 6 months later to determine test-retest reliability of scores or whether results changed due to factors such as a learning effect. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement in DriveSafe (DS) score and DS completion time was demonstrated between tests 1 to 2. There was no difference between tests 2 to 3 potentially indicating an initial learning effect. The improvement in DS was greater in the participants over 70 years. DSDA completion time was approximately 10 minutes and the improvement in completion time was greater in participants under 70 years. DSDA classification and DriveAware scores remained stable across all three tests. CONCLUSION: DSDA is a reliable method for repeated assessment of cognition, albeit with a small learning effect between the 1st and 2nd test (but not subsequent testing) affecting the DS score. This effect manifests more noticeably in participants over 70 years of age and is most likely because of increasing familiarity with the technology and decreasing anxiety over repeated assessments rather than because of improved cognition. DSDA should be trialled as a measure to assess high-level cognition of brain tumour patients and as an indicator of whether more comprehensive neuropsychological testing may be warranted.