Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP®)
KF‐NAP® is a scoring method and assessment procedure that helps clinicians detect and measure spatial neglect in daily situations. It is used to assess individuals who suffer from brain damage or injuries after a cardiovascular accident (i.e., stroke), traumatic brain injury, surgical procedure, or brain tumor. Since spatial neglect might not always be detected without standardized testing, it is essential that clinicians assess all patients with acquired brain injury regardless of their etiology, condition, or time elapsed post event.
Using KF-NAP to administer the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) may strengthen the CBS as the most-recommended functional assessment for spatial neglect. Kessler Foundation received a pilot grant from New Jersey Health Foundation in 2024 to further develop KF-NAP to be used in outpatient settings where individuals with chronic spatial neglect are often treated.
KF-NAP includes 10 categories: gaze orientation, limb awareness, auditory attention, personal belongings, dressing, grooming, navigation, collisions, meals, and cleaning after meals.
Download the KF-NAP 2023 Manual for Free
NOTE: It is recommended that KF-NAP be administered by trained individuals only. KF-NAP may help clinicians make a diagnosis related to spatial neglect. Kessler Foundation is not responsible for a clinical diagnosis.
Kessler Foundation Prism Adaptation Treatment (KF-PAT®)
KF-PAT® provides an implementation solution for clinicians who wish to utilize prism adaptation treatment for their patients with spatial neglect. KF-PAT Manual details treatment principles and a standardized protocol of a systematic treatment course.
The Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research has conducted several pilot studies, two federally funded clinical trials, and a 16-site implementation project on prism adaptation treatment for spatial neglect.
KF-PAT Portable Kit includes all the necessary devices and materials to facilitate the treatment, as demonstrated in the video clip pictured. All the devices can be neatly stored in a 46”L x 16”H x 6”W bag and easily carried to various settings including inpatient, outpatient, and at home. Kessler Foundation makes KF-PAT available to order to facilitate research-informed implementation of evidence-based prism adaptation treatment.
Order the KF-PAT Manual and Portal Kit
Read More: Understanding Prism Adaptation
NOTE: It is recommended that KF-PAT be administered by trained individuals only. While KF-PAT may help reduce symptoms of spatial neglect, Kessler Foundation is not responsible for clinical outcomes.
New Developments Using Virtual Reality Technology
Kessler Foundation Spatial Re-Training Therapy (KF-SRT®)
Kesser Foundation Eye Movement Exercise (KF-EME™)
Kessler Foundation researchers in stroke rehabilitation proposed new paradigms for improving treatment of spatial neglect. While progress has been made in detecting spatial neglect, treatment strategies have lagged. To address the need for effective neurorehabilitation, researchers developed two treatment approaches based on immersive virtual reality (VR), which allow standardized delivery of intensive, repetitive therapy in a flexible, engaging environment.
Two VR-based treatment programs have been developed for the purpose of reducing symptoms and severity of spatial neglect. Kessler Foundation Spatial Re-Training Therapy (KF-SRT®) employs a head-mounted display and hand-tracking technology to create new treatment activities. Kesser Foundation Eye Movement Exercise (KF-EME™) delivers an evidence-based treatment that combines smooth pursuit and optokinetic stimulation, using a head-mounted display with built-in eye trackers. The Foundation team works closely with Virtualware, an award-winning VR technology company based in Spain, for developing both programs. Both programs are currently under evaluation to assess their preliminary efficacy.
