Co-Principal Investigators: Busi Zapparoli, Ph.D., C.Psych and Andrea Knight, MD, MSCE
Funded by: Garry Hurvitz Centre for Brain and Mental Health (GH CBMH), Early Career Scientist Health Outcomes Catalyst Grant
Study Goals: To develop and assess preliminary feasibility and acceptability of an intervention strategy tailored to address specific brain health needs of children and youth with cSLE. To assess the Teen Online Problem Solving (TOPS) intervention’s impact on brain health.
Description: This project will take a patient-informed participatory action approach to develop and test an intervention tailored to support the specific brain health needs of children and adolescents with cSLE. Using input from patients and caregivers, the intervention is tailored to support cognitive function, mental health, and overall well-being. Participants will join virtual sessions and complete pre- and post-program assessments to help refine the intervention and evaluate its impact.
Impact: Currently, there are no interventions specifically designed to target brain health in patients with cSLE, despite clear evidence of this need. This study’s intervention has the potential to lead to post-treatment improvements in brain health and may positively influence multiple areas of patients’ lives, including cognition, academic and career outcomes, interpersonal relationships, mental and physical well-being, and medication adherence.