Feasibility and Acceptance of Direct-to-Home Tele-neuropsychology Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic. (6th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parsons, Michael W.; Gardner, Melissa M.; Sherman, Janet C.; Pasquariello, Kathryn; Grieco, Julie A.; Kay, Christina D.; Pollak, Lauren E.; Morgan, Amy K.; Carlson-Emerton, Britt; Seligsohn, Karen; Davidsdottir, Sigurros; Pulsifer, Margaret B.; Zarrella, Giuliana V.; Burstein, Sarah M.; Mancuso, Sarah M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. Volume 28:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 210
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2022-02-06
• Subjects: Telemedicine -- Neuropsychology -- SARS-COV2 -- Patient acceptance -- Feasibility -- Health Care Surveys; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1017/S1355617721000436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6177

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: : Neuropsychological assessment via video conferencing has been proposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing literature has demonstrated feasibility and acceptance of neuropsychological measures administered by videoconference, although few studies have examined feasibility and patient acceptance of TNP visits directly to patients' homes (DTH-TNP). Methods: : We modified a previously published patient satisfaction survey for DTH-TNP and developed a clinician feasibility survey to examine experiences during DTH-TNP. Results: : Seventy-two patients (age range: preschool-geriatric) evaluated by DTH-TNP for cognitive problems at an academic medical center responded to voluntary surveys between April 20, 2020, and August 19, 2020, and 100% indicated satisfaction. Fifty-nine percent of patients reported limitations (e.g., technological concern) during the appointment. 134 clinician surveys were collected and indicated that clinicians achieved the goal of their appointment in 90% of encounters. Conclusions: : These qualitative data suggest that patients and clinicians found DTH-TNP to be satisfactory during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also recognizing limitations of the practice. These results are limited in that voluntary surveys are subject to bias. They support the growing body of literature suggesting that DTH-TNP provides a valuable service, though additional research to establish reliability and validity is needed.