Consumer Acceptability of Brief Videoconference-based Neuropsychological Assessment in Older Individuals with and without Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that neuropsychological assessment via videoconference shows good agreement with traditional in-person assessment. However, there are few published studies regarding patient acceptability of this methodology, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairment. In this study we sought to evaluate patient preferences and acceptability of teleneuropsychology to further shed light on the viability of this cognitive assessment medium. We examined acceptability of videoconference-based neuropsychological assessment among healthy aging individuals and in subjects with mild cognitive impairment or early stage Alzheimer disease. We found that teleneuropsychology appears to be well accepted by consumers. Our results reflected 98% satisfaction, and roughly 2/3 of participants indicated no preference between traditional face-to-face testing and examination by teleneuropsychology. Furthermore, even participants with cognitive impairment showed good acceptability of teleneuropsychological assessment. In conjunction with the preliminary data on reliability and validity from this growing literature, these results support teleneuropsychology as a viable and acceptable method for assessing cognitive functioning, and show promise for the implementation and utilization of this cognitive assessment medium in clinical and research settings.

Teleneuropsychology: Evidence for Video Teleconference-Based Neuropsychological Assessment

“…This is consistent with our recent report of good acceptability of VTC-based neuropsychological testing among a subgroup of the subjects in the current investigation wherein the majority (approximately two-thirds) of individuals with or without cognitive impairment expressed no preference between VTC and face-to-face testing (Parikh et al, 2013). A final limitation may relate to the connections between local and remote testing sites, as we had the advantage of a secure network.…”

Forensic Assessment via Videoconferencing: Issues and Practice Considerations

“…Irrespective of the test used, practitioners are constantly reminded to select assessment tools whose results meet the highest standards of practice, and which also can withstand an adversarial system like the court (Hilsenroth & Stricker, 2004). Practitioners should strive to estimate the effect of technology issues such as camera and volume settings, Internet bandwidth, screen resolutions, and a hostile VC environment on assessment results (Grosch et al, 2011;Parikh et al, 2013). Competent use of VC is also necessary to ensure and uphold the standard of professional practice, thereby obviating several professional liability issues that are associated with VC technology (see the section on "Standard of Practice and Professional Liability").…”

A Multidisciplinary Model of Dementia Care in an Underserved Retirement Community, Made Possible by Telemedicine

“…Studies have found a 98% patient satisfaction with some patients even preferring telemedicine consult due to convenience (34, 35). One large Canadian study found that even in elderly populations, a majority of patients surveyed were interested in using videoconferencing and email to manage their chronic diseases, with most noting a concern for saving time and money (36).…”