A survey of international clinical teleneuropsychology service provision prior to and in the context of COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: Despite expansion of telecommunication strategies across health services and data supporting feasibility of videoconference-based neuropsychological assessment, relatively little is known about teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) use in practice. The current COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for greater use of TeleNP and understanding of neuropsychologists' experience with this unique assessment medium. Methods: During the course of a no-cost global webinar related to practical/ethical considerations of TeleNP practice, attendees were invited to engage in a 26-question survey about their TeleNP use and related COVID-19 concerns. TeleNP practices before the COVID-19 pandemic and early on during the global outbreak were queried among survey participants, along with examination of TeleNP intentions following COVID-19. Results: Multiple countries were represented across five continents, with two-thirds of respondents being from the United States. Approximately one-fourth of respondents reported using TeleNP for clinical interview, feedback, and intervention prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and approximately one-tenth of individuals used TeleNP for testadministration. Increased use of TeleNP for clinical interview, feedback, and intervention was reported within the first few weeks of the global COVID-19 outbreak, though the use of TeleNP for testing remained relatively unchanged. Most respondents indicated an intention for future use of TeleNP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the use of TeleNP is increasing, although use of remote TeleNP testing is still developing. Findings also illustrate increasing use of TeleNP in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage follow-up investigation in future studies to understand the changing practices and rates of TeleNP provision over time.

Professional practices, beliefs, and incomes of U.S. neuropsychologists: The AACN, NAN, SCN 2020 practice and “salary survey”

“…Chi-square and Phi comparing response frequencies related to telehealth prior to March 13 (142/944 ¼ 15%) versus on or after that date (68/164 ¼ 41.5%) were significant (Chi-square ¼ 37.6; p < .001; Phi ¼ À.169; p < .001; Hedge's g ¼ .34), indicating that the transition had likely already begun by the time the survey website was closed. This finding is consistent with contemporaneous INS webinar survey findings showing that by April 2, 2020 a substantial portion of neuropsychologists internationally had either already begun moving to provision of telehealth services or intended to do so (Hammers et al, 2020). 39.1 Note.…”

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the modality, but not the frequency, of formal cognitive assessment

“…In terms of overall remote assessment prior to the pandemic, our results did not match that of Hammers et al [23] who found a self-reported use of video neuropsychological assessment of 11% prior to the pandemic, whereas we found that rates of remote assessment were less than 1% across the whole sample. In addition, Hammers et al [23] found that there was no significant increase in video usage (from 11% to 15%). This may be because of differences in the respondent samples.…”

“…There were statistically more video and telephone assessments of cognition since the pandemic. This in line with what recent research has shown in other samples [21,23]. In terms of overall remote assessment prior to the pandemic, our results did not match that of Hammers et al [23] who found a self-reported use of video neuropsychological assessment of 11% prior to the pandemic, whereas we found that rates of remote assessment were less than 1% across the whole sample.…”

“…Finally, we set out to gather data on perceived barriers, challenges, and facilitators to remote assessment of cognition (aim 3). Similarly, to the previously described online surveys on the use of teleneuropsychology before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and as an extension of questions used previously [23], we anticipated lower use of teleneuropsychology prior to the pandemic, with an increase in phone and video conferencing since March 2020.…”

Addressing Pediatric Mental Health Using Telehealth During Coronavirus Disease-2019 and Beyond: A Narrative Review

“…40 Some reported they will continue to use virtual assessment strategies beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. 41 While challenges should be considered, telehealth presents another avenue for pediatricians recommending patients to specialized treatment.…”