FSTAC - Linking Function with Cognitive Performance
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The Functional Standardized Touchscreen Assessment of Cognition (FSTAC) is the first of it's kind in cognitive screening tools.
FSTAC provides 14 functional tasks for a person to complete and then provides a report on functional & cognitive performance. One of the features that makes FSTAC so valuable is the integration of real life distractions, such as text messages, phone messages and noise. These distractions in the setting of a cognitively complex task provide the perfect setting to assess a person's cognitive abilities and breakdowns. Clinicians can now observe their clients performing functional tasks that range from simple to complex utilizing current technology. Technology can provide greater contextual validity when compared to similar traditional functional measures. For example, the FSTAC can exactly simulate a phone call with an automated payment system (image 1), which would be difficult to assess with traditional measures. |
App Review
Amazing!!! As a speech therapist in an outpatient neuro rehab hospital-based clinic, I am constantly seeking innovative tools to better serve my patients. My recent encounter with the F-STAC cognitive assessment left me nothing short of amazed. This comprehensive tool excels in evaluating crucial cognitive domains essential for rehabilitation, making it a must-have for occupational therapists (OTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with adults. The F-STAC assessment offers a thorough evaluation of visual attention, sustained attention, problem solving, following directions, working memory, recent memory, and remote recall. What truly sets it apart is its integration of real-life tasks, mirroring modern-day activities like bill paying, grocery shopping, and scheduling appointments. This contextualized approach not only provides a more accurate assessment but also ensures relevance to the challenges individuals face in their daily lives. Drawing parallels to the ALFA assessment, the F-STAC goes a step further by simulating smartphone/ tablet usage. This feature captures the intricacies of navigating digital platforms—a vital skill in today's society. I was particularly impressed by the seamless performance of the app. Its smooth interface and glitch-free operation instilled confidence in its reliability, crucial factors in any assessment tool. The cherry on top is the beautiful report the app generates, which I can then upload directly into EPIC. Effortless documentation! While the F-STAC undoubtedly enriches my testing arsenal, I see potential for further enhancement, particularly in linguistic assessments. As an SLP, I believe integrating additional linguistic assessments would further amplify its utility in diagnosing and treating cognitive-linguistic deficits. The F-STAC cognitive assessment is a game-changer for rehabilitation professionals. Its comprehensive evaluation, real-world simulation, and seamless performance make it indispensable for OTs and SLPs alike. I wholeheartedly recommend it to my colleagues, confident that it will elevate the standard of care for our patients.
**I had the privilege of accessing the assessment for review purposes, but my endorsement is based solely on its exceptional quality and utility in clinical practice.** Chana Breuer, MS CCC-SLP Speech Pathologist Outpatient Neurologic Rehabilitation Clinic |
Quotes from other FSTAC Users
"This app is very innovative and much needed in the world of cognitive assessment" "I've been looking for a new assessment to utilize in acute care and FSTAC is a great one!" "I tried FSTAC today for the first time, and it's wonderful!" "I'm a speech language pathologist and I frequently use FSTAC and overall I really love it!" "I believe this assessment is quite the gem!" |
Cognitive Areas Assessed
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Functional Areas Assessed
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Examples of FSTAC Subtests
Medication ManagementFunctional Task:
Person sorts 3 medications into a pill box. Cognitive Areas Assessed:
Key Feature:
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Grocery ShoppingFunctional Task:
Person given a list of items to obtain at the store. List in random order. Cognitive Areas Assessed:
Key Features:
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Paying / Making ChangeFunctional Task:
Person identifies US currency by name and value. Then pays and makes change using available currency on screen. Cognitive Areas Assessed:
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