Introduction / Rationale: Remote assessments provide a more accessible and cost-effective alternative, enabling early detection of cognitive impairment, particularly for those in remote areas with limited healthcare access.
Objective: This study aimed to examine whether the Thai version of the Telephone-Based Cognitive Screening Tool (Thai-TeBCOG), education level, and age could predict cognitive function as measured by the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS).
Methods / Approach: A total of 225 Thai adults, aged 23 to 80 years, participated in this study. The development of the screening tool identified 13 items, including executive function and abstract thinking. Participants underwent cognitive screening using Thai-TeBCOG and RUDAS. Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which Thai-TeBCOG scores and age predicted cognitive function.
Results / Practice Implications: The screening tool development process revealed culturally relevant items and questions that align with contemporary contexts, such as "How would you send a birthday gift to a friend?" Regression analysis showed that age and Thai-TeBCOG scores significantly predicted RUDAS scores, accounting for 17.8% of the variance (R² = 0.178). These results suggest that Thai-TeBCOG is a practical tool for occupational therapists to use in screening for cognitive decline remotely.
Conclusion / Significance to the Occupational Therapy Profession: Integrating Thai-TeBCOG into occupational therapy practice in Thailand can improve the early detection of cognitive decline and promote timely interventions. Telehealth-based cognitive assessments can increase accessibility to cognitive rehabilitation, particularly for older adults in rural or underserved areas, supporting their independence, well-being, and overall quality of life.