Thursday May 27th

Use of Teleneuropsychology in Child Assessment: Theory and Practice

Dra. Paula Karina Pérez Delgadillo

Pediatric Neuropsychology Resident. New York University Langone Health. Rusk Rehabilitation, New York, NY, USA.

Dra. Isabel González

Pediatric Neuropsychologist. Private Practice. Miami, FL, USA.

Workshop description:

Teleneuropsychology (teleNP) is the use of audiovisual technology to establish clinical contact with patients in order to perform neuropsychological evaluations. To date, there are few studies about the use of teleNP and some of them have found positive results in the use of it. However, much research is still lacking, particularly with the pediatric population, with linguistic/cultural diversity, and with limited access to technological platforms. Therefore, there is no evidence-based clinical guidance in existence on how to use teleNP in a safe and reliable manner. Although there are no official guidelines on the practice of teleNP with children, the Interorganizational Practice Committee (IOPC) provides useful recommendations for clinicians in the United States that can be adopted worldwide. It is important to protect the practice of teleNP by establishing clear and specific guidelines on the clinical competence required for the administration and interpretation of online neuropsychological tests. TeleNP evaluations require the preparation and familiarization of the clinician with neuropsychological testing, with the technology platforms being used, and with the various obstacles that may arise during administration.

This workshop will focus on developing competencies and strategies for pediatric teleNP assessment by reviewing the current literature and the most recent guidelines on teleport practice worldwide. Using clinical cases, advantages and disadvantages of the use of teleNP in different pediatric populations will be discussed. At the same time, the clinical populations in which teleNP is recommended will be discussed. A live simulation of the administration of various pediatric neuropsychological tests will be carried out in order to provide recommendations and practical strategies, highlighting the possible drawbacks that may occur.

Learning Objectives:

Part I – Theory

1. To present the progress and state of the art of telemedicine and teleneuropsychology

2. To analyze the benefits, limitations and risks of teleNP in pediatric neuropsychological assessments.

3. To analyze the validity and credibility of neuropsychological tests administered virtually.

4. To identify populations suitable for teleNP assessments and those in which it would be disadvantageous.

Part II – Practice

1. To establish a framework for conducting virtual neuropsychological assessments, considering clinical and cultural aspects and providing practical recommendations.
2. Live simulation of possible obstacles during the administration of pediatric neuropsychological tests.