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Research report (in French)

Research report on tele-neuropsychology in Quebec

Lead researcher

Co-researchers :

  • Carol Hudon
  • Alexandra Ribon-Demars

Collaborators :

  • Nancie Rouleau
  • Martine Simard
  • Philip Jackson
  • Caroline Cellard
  • Louis Laplante
  • Isabelle Tremblay
  • Association québécoise des neuropsychologues (AQNP)

Background

Tele-neuropsychology presents particular challenges related to the context of remote assessment of cognitive functions, which include the conditions of clients’ videoconferencing environment, the safety and protection of psychometric tests, and the limitation of qualitative observations in relation to face-to-face clinical activities. Several organizations, including the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) and the Association québécoise des neuropsychologues (AQNP) have published recommendations related to tele-neuropsychology in the context of COVID-19. However, the state of play regarding the perceptions and use of tele-neuropsychology in Quebec remains poorly documented. In a rapidly changing context, it is essential to better understand the needs, barriers and facilitators for the use of tele-neuropsychology, and to study the factors that influence access and effectiveness of such services.

Objective

A survey was sent to Quebec neuropsychologists in the summer of 2020 to understand their needs and examine the feasibility and acceptability of tele-neuropsychology for the evaluation and treatment of cognition. This report, based on the results of this survey, documents the benefits, limitations, facilitators, barriers and challenges related to the use of tele-neuropsychology and provides recommendations.

Conclusion

Tele-neuropsychology is not a panacea and will never completely replace face-to-face direct contact activities. However, it is essential to continue to accumulate knowledge and experiential knowledge in order to use tele-neuropsychology wisely. The development of hybrid models of care, combining remote and face-to-face services, could prove to be an effective solution to improve access and reduce the direct and indirect costs associated with health services.