Teleneuropsychology in the time of COVID-19: the experience of the Australian Epilepsy Project
Fecha
2020Autor
Tailby, Chris
Collins, Alana J.
Vaughan, David N.
Abbott, David F.
O’Shea, Marie
Helmstaedter, Christoph
D. Jackson, Graeme
Resumen
Purpose: Traditional neuropsychological testing carries elevated COVID-19 risk for both
examinee and examiner. Here we describe how the pilot study of the Australian Epilepsy
Project (AEP) has transitioned to tele-neuropsychology (teleNP), enabling continued safe
operations during the pandemic. Methods: The AEP includes adults (age 18-60) with a first unprovoked seizure, new diagnosis
of epilepsy or drug resistant focal epilepsy. Shortly after launching the study, COVID-related
restrictions necessitated adaptation to teleNP, including delivery of verbal tasks via
videoconference; visual stimulus delivery via document camera; use of web-hosted,
computerised assessment; substitution of oral versions for written tests; online delivery of
questionnaires; and discontinuation of telehealth incompatible tasks.
Results: To date, we have completed 24 teleNP assessments: 18 remotely (participant in own
home) and six on-site (participant using equipment at research facility). Five face-to-face
assessments were conducted prior to the transition to teleNP. Eight of 408 tests administered
via teleNP (1.9%) have been invalidated, for a variety of reasons (technical, procedural,
environmental). Data confirm typical patterns of epilepsy-related deficits (p<.05) affecting
processing speed, executive function, language and memory. Questionnaire responses
indicate elevated rates of patients at high risk of mood (34%) and anxiety disorder (38%).
Conclusion: Research teleNP assessments reveal a typical pattern of impairments in epilepsy.
A range of issues must be considered when introducing teleNP, such as technical and
administrative set up, test selection and delivery, and cohort suitability. TeleNP enables largescale neuropsychological research during periods of social distancing (and beyond), and offers
an opportunity to expand the reach and breadth of neuropsychological services.
Palabras clave
Cognitive assessment; Epilepsy surgery; Telehealth; TelepsychotherapyEnlace al recurso
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2020.10.005Colecciones
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