Paediatric neuropsychological assessment: an analysis of parents’ perspectives

Abstract

Purpose -Modern healthcare services are commonly based on shared models of care, in which a strong emphasis is placed upon the views of those in receipt of services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the parents' experiences of their child's neuropsychological assessment. Design/methodology/approach -This was a mixed-methodology study employing both quantitative and qualitative measures. Findings -The questionnaire measure indicated a high overall level of satisfaction. Qualitative analysis of parental interviews provided a richer insight into the parental experience and indicated four major themes. Practical implications -Implications covered three major areas. Firstly, whilst a high value was placed upon the assessment, the need for further comprehensive neurorehabilitation and intervention was highlighted. Secondly, this study highlights the significant adversity experienced by such families and subsequent unmet psychological needs which also require consideration. Finally, findings from the current study could assist in improving future measures of satisfaction in similar services. Originality/value -This is the first published study of parental experiences of and satisfaction with paediatric neuropsychological assessment in the UK.

Outcomes of pediatric neuropsychological services: A systematic review

“…Results of several studies, especially qualitative comments from both parents and teachers, highlight the benefits of reports that are concise and have minimal jargon Cheung et al, 2014;Keenan et al, 2019;Postal et al, 2018;Stark et al, 2014). This observation is consistent with expert opinion about the disadvantages of lengthy, technical report-writing styles (Donders, 1999).…”

“…Compared to children who did not receive a neuropsychological evaluation, those who did had a greater increase in the rate of 1) child participation in special education services, 2) initiation of ADHD medication, and 3) parent management training Rate of participation in individual therapy also increased, but this was similar between the two groups -Quillen, 2011 Parents followed 48% of recommendations Only 60% of parents gave the report to the school, though this was recommended for all Adherence varied substantially by parent 97% of implemented recommendations were perceived as helpful -(continued) (25%). Interestingly, two studies which allowed for qualitative remarks from parents suggested mixed views on reports, with some parents describing reports positively, and others indicating that they were too long, overly technical, or confusing (Cheung et al, 2014;Stark et al, 2014). These findings support the utility of reports, but also indicate opportunities for improvement to ensure that reports are accessible to parents.…”

“…Regarding broad parent satisfaction, all studies indicated that the majority of parents had a positive experience with the neuropsychological services their children received. In many studies, high ratings were nearly unanimous, such that 94-100% of parents reported satisfaction with neuropsychological services (Cheung et al, 2014;Dodd et al, 2018;Farmer & Brazeal, 1998;Kirkwood et al, 2017;Nissirios et al, 2018;Stark et al, 2014). However, in two of the largest studies, ratings of broad satisfaction indicated that 10-20% of parents were not satisfied with the services (Bodin et al, 2007;Waber et al, 2017).…”

“…Parents also suggested increased communication between the neuropsychologist and the child's school (Cheung et al, 2014). Similarly, in Stark et al (2014), parents expressed particular appreciation of the neuropsychologist's advocacy for the child with the school. Stark et al (2014) further noted a high level of emotional content in the study interviews (e.g.…”

“…Similarly, in Stark et al (2014), parents expressed particular appreciation of the neuropsychologist's advocacy for the child with the school. Stark et al (2014) further noted a high level of emotional content in the study interviews (e.g. parents reporting trauma, grief, and chronic stress related to their children's illnesses or injuries), and concluded that parents often have unmet emotional needs that may be partly addressed through interaction with the neuropsychologist.…”