Feasibility and Acceptance of Direct-to-Home Tele-neuropsychology Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Michael W. Parsons, Melissa M. Gardner, Janet C. Sherman, Kathryn Pasquariello, Julie A. Grieco, Christina D. Kay, Lauren E. Pollak, Amy K. Morgan, Britt Carlson-Emerton, Karen Seligsohn, Sigurros Davidsdottir, Margaret B. Pulsifer, Giuliana V. Zarrella, Sarah M. Burstein, Sarah M. Mancuso
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Neuropsychological assessment via video conferencing has been proposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing literature has demonstrated feasibility and acceptance of neuropsychological measures administered by videoconference, although few studies have examined feasibility and patient acceptance of TNP visits directly to patients' homes (DTH-TNP). METHODS: We modified a previously published patient satisfaction survey for DTH-TNP and developed a clinician feasibility survey to examine experiences during DTH-TNP. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (age range: preschool-geriatric) evaluated by DTH-TNP for cognitive problems at an academic medical center responded to voluntary surveys between April 20, 2020, and August 19, 2020, and 100% indicated satisfaction. Fifty-nine percent of patients reported limitations (e.g., technological concern) during the appointment. 134 clinician surveys were collected and indicated that clinicians achieved the goal of their appointment in 90% of encounters. CONCLUSIONS: These qualitative data suggest that patients and clinicians found DTH-TNP to be satisfactory during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also recognizing limitations of the practice. These results are limited in that voluntary surveys are subject to bias. They support the growing body of literature suggesting that DTH-TNP provides a valuable service, though additional research to establish reliability and validity is needed.