Considered a necessary exception to in-person administration during the time of the pandemic, remote neuropsychological assessment services have remained an option for clients over the years. While these services may at times offer benefits, they are not without limitations that are important to consider. In the great majority of cases, in-person assessments remain the gold standard to ensure comprehensive, accurate, and reliable evaluations. The ability to observe non-verbal cues, control testing conditions, build rapport, and make immediate clinical judgments are just a few of the reasons why in-person evaluations are far often the more appropriate choice.
The team at ClearView is happy to offer remote assessment services when appropriate and will carefully evaluate whether or not this is an appropriate option for interested clients. Accordingly, there are a few things to consider:
Given the complexity and the depth of these evaluations, it is crucial to capture a robust spectrum of data and clinical observations. Many tests require equipment, environments, or conditions of administration that can be difficult or impossible to replicate remotely and many cannot be administered at all. As a consequence, there are several areas of functioning that cannot be sufficiently measured or measured at all remotely.
Good administration is dynamic and involves adjusting the pacing or sequencing of an assessment based on the client’s responses or emotional state. In-person assessment allows us to make these adjustments seamlessly, ensuring that the evaluation process is both thorough and tailored to our client. It also allows us to observe non-verbal cues and interpersonal interaction; to see how our client behaves in real-world conditions and to note any potential barriers that might influence their performance, such as discomfort or distraction in the environment.
The quality and dependability of technology and environment is also important. In-person assessments ensure a controlled environment, where we can ensure testing conditions are optimal. This level of control is crucial for accurate results, as even small deviations from the standardized testing environment can affect performance and reliability.
Finally, a critical aspect and one that has a substantial impact on the quality of our work is our ability to build and maintain rapport with our clients. Often our clients are anxious about being tested and need time to be comforted, reassured, and to feel they can trust us. In-person interactions allow the opportunity to develop this key foundation with our clients. Remote interaction inevitably creates a degree of distance that may leave clients feeling less comfortable, trusting, open, or able to communicate as effectively as they would otherwise.