Objective: Telehealth offers the opportunity to address a growing need to improve access to specialty services, such as neuropsychology, particularly for older adults and those in rural areas. Initial research has examined the validity and acceptability of teleneuropsychology (teleNP) in research settings, but there is less information about teleNP implementation in clinical practice. Here we describe the development of a teleNP clinic and compare patient satisfaction to those completing in-person neuropsychological evaluations. Method: A teleNP clinic was developed at the VA Bedford Healthcare System to serve older Veterans with referral questions focused on cognitive aging concerns. Patients presented to affiliated VA satellite clinics and were connected to neuropsychology clinicians at the main hospital campus through synchronous video. An evaluation battery was compiled to closely approximate in-person evaluations. Trained staff members at the satellite clinic assisted with administration of select tasks. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a self-report questionnaire and responses were compared to a group undergoing in-person neuropsychological evaluations. Results: Self-reported satisfaction was high for all aspects of the patient experience, with no significant difference found between teleNP (n ¼ 67) and in-person (n ¼ 64) groups. In particular, 90% of patients in the teleNP group and 98% of patients in the in-person group agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "I was overall satisfied with this visit.". Conclusions: TeleNP is a feasible and acceptable alternative to traditional in-person neuropsychological evaluations in clinical practice focused on older adults. Future research should continue to validate evaluation measures used in telehealth settings, identify the populations that would benefit most from teleNP services, and explore the expansion of teleNP services.

Caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) often experience increases in depression, anxiety, and burden as the disease progresses. In fact, as the PWD’s neuropsychiatric symptoms increase and independence in ADLS decrease, caregivers psychological and physical health outcomes worsen. The literature suggests that caregiver interventions that teach specific skills are more beneficial than psychoeducational interventions, particularly regarding the amelioration of the psychological impacts of informal caregiving. However, because of caregiving demands, caregiver’s own physical limitations, and competing obligations, it can be difficult to attend caregiver support or education programs outside the home. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, arranging such interventions became more complex, Therefore, we report on preliminary qualitative outcomes of a study investigating the feasibility and acceptability of converting an in-person, group dementia caregiver education intervention, CARE, to a telehealth platform. We report the findings of two objectives: 1) lessons learned when attempting to convert an in-person group intervention to telehealth and 2) experience and perceived benefit of attending a virtual group from the perspective of the participants of our first two groups. Briefly, our findings demonstrate the strong need for technological support. Participants report positive experience regarding the convenience of attending the group from their home, the benefits of the assigned exercises, and the support they found from other group members. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many to embrace the virtual option as they adapt to a new normal. There are undoubtedly hurdles to overcome, but there are also advantages to be leveraged.