Diverse experiences and approaches to tele neuropsychology: Commentary and reflections over the past year of COVID-19. Issue 4 (19th May 2022) - Hewitt, Kelsey C.
Abstract: Objectives: In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, neuropsychologists rapidly adopted teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) services to ensure continued clinical care. Prior to COVID-19, TeleNP was not widely used nor was it included in the majority of traditional practice or training models across graduate, internship, and postdoctoral programs. Out of necessity, the pandemic was a catalyst that promoted greater adoption of TeleNP services. In response, neuropsychological guidelines for modified assessments were developed and further empirical studies have been published. Numerous surveys in response to service delivery changes during COVID-19 now exist, but what follows is a commentary based on neuropsychologists' experiences with adapting clinical practice to TeleNP. Methods: Co-authors represent settings across academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and private practices that serve multiculturally diverse pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations in the United States. Results: The perspectives within this commentary aim to highlight the growth of TeleNP and highlight lessons learned from implementation across practice settings. Conclusions: Our goal is to help foster the development of further empirical studies through candid discussion of various TeleNP experiences and approaches. Through this reflective process, TeleNP presents both opportunities and challenges but it ultimately has potential to reduce healthcare disparities and enhance patient care.