Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Clin Neuropsychol. 2020 Oct-Nov;34(7-8):1335-1351. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2020.1811891. Epub 2020 Aug 26.
In response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, traditional, in-person neuropsychological assessment services paused in most settings. Neuropsychologists have sought to establish new guidelines and care models using telehealth neuropsychology (teleNP) services. The need to adapt to remote technology became the most difficult challenge to date for existing practice models. Primary considerations for transitioning to teleNP include scope and limitations of the telehealth modality, informed consent for telehealth services, patient privacy and confidentiality, test security, and validity of telehealth assessments. Given timelines for fully re-opening clinical settings, access to traditional models of neuropsychological care remains unclear. These considerations will remain relevant even upon return to an in-office practice, as many assessment models will likely continue with teleNP to some extent. Specialists will need to consider the unique needs of their populations in ensuring quality care, as diagnostic differences and patient age will impact participation in teleNP. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, teleNP presents an opportunity as well as a challenge for neuropsychologists looking to provide patient care in the context of social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions. In this transformative time, the field of neuropsychology has opportunities to advance beyond traditional settings and focus on alternative delivery of patient care.
针对 2020 年的 COVID-19 大流行,大多数情况下传统的线下神经心理学评估服务都暂停了。神经心理学家们试图利用远程神经心理学服务(teleNP)建立新的指南和护理模式。对于现有的实践模式来说,适应远程技术是迄今为止最困难的挑战。过渡到 teleNP 的主要考虑因素包括远程医疗模式的范围和限制、远程医疗服务的知情同意、患者隐私和保密性、测试安全性以及远程健康评估的有效性。考虑到全面重新开放临床环境的时间表,获得传统的神经心理学护理服务仍然不清楚。即使回到办公室实践,这些考虑因素仍将相关,因为许多评估模式可能会在一定程度上继续使用 teleNP。专家们需要考虑其特定人群的独特需求,以确保提供高质量的护理,因为诊断差异和患者年龄将影响他们参与 teleNP 的意愿。随着 COVID-19 大流行的持续,teleNP 为希望在保持社交距离和居家限制的情况下提供患者护理的神经心理学家们提供了机会和挑战。在这个变革的时代,神经心理学领域有机会超越传统环境,专注于患者护理的替代交付方式。