Situation Analysis of Cognitive Rehabilitation for Brain Injuries in Iran: A Mixed Method Study



Hassan Zadeh Tabatabaei MS¹ ; Khodadoust E¹ ; Esmaeili Dahaj M² ; Eslami Nejad Parizi A² ; Baigi V^{1, 3} ; Sharifalhoseini M³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Published:2025

Abstract

Background and purpose: Cognitive impairments significantly impact individuals' lives. Cognitive rehabilitation aims to enhance their physical, social, and occupational performance. This study evaluates the current state of cognitive rehabilitation in Iran and reports on related research and practices. Materials and methods: This mixed-method study utilized the Rehabilitation Service Assessment Tool (RSAT) tool, focusing on five main areas. Data collection included a comprehensive search of national resources (guidelines, regulations) and a scoping review of articles from PubMed and Scopus. Information on epidemiological data, intervention tools, and validated instruments was structured using the RSAT checklist. Results: Despite legal support for disabled individuals, cognitive impairments are not explicitly recognized, complicating planning and resource allocation. In higher education, notable efforts have been made for academic development. Of 1055 retrieved articles, 260 met the inclusion criteria, with over half focusing on epidemiological objectives. A total of 169 tools were identified, with the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Stroop Test being the most used. A large number of studies were conducted in the past decade, accounting for 85.1% of the total, primarily by 62 national research institutions, with minimal private sector involvement. Conclusion: The aging population and high prevalence of brain injuries underline the urgent need for cognitive rehabilitation development in Iran. Significant gaps remain in policymaking, planning, resources, infrastructure, and evidence-based guidelines. Existing academic and private sector capacities, alongside recent research, provide a foundation for growth. Addressing these gaps requires collaborative efforts across legislative, educational, and research institutions. © 2025, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.