Feasibility of a standard cognitive assessment in European academic memory clinics

Abstract

Introduction Standardized cognitive assessment would enhance diagnostic reliability across memory clinics. An expert consensus adapted the Uniform Dataset (UDS)‐3 for European centers, the clinician's UDS (cUDS). This study assessed its implementation acceptability and feasibility. Methods We developed a survey investigating barriers, facilitators, and willingness to implement the cUDS. With a mixed‐methods design, we analyzed data from academic memory clinics. Results Seventy‐eight percent of responding clinicians were experienced neuropsychologists/psychologists and 22% were medical specialists coming from 18 European countries. Sixty‐five percent clinicians were willing to implement cUDS. General barriers related to implementation (43%) and clinical‐methodological domains (21%). Favorable clinicians reported finances (15%) and digitalization (9%) as facilitating, but unavailability of local norms (23%) as hindering. Unfavorable clinicians reported logistical (23%) and time issues (18%). Discussion Despite challenges, data showed moderate clinicians' acceptability and requirements to improve feasibility. Nonetheless, these results come from academic clinicians. The next steps will require feasibility evaluation in non‐academic contexts.