Using digital tools such as computers and wearable devices to conduct cognitive assessments is improving the traditional methods of paper-and-pencil evaluation. It used to take a long time before one could get an integrated report. These tools are accommodating enhanced monitoring and measurement of neuropsychology functioning. It is a great breakthrough despite the fact that technological evolution in psychotherapy and neurological assessment have been really slow. The slow progress has been contributed considerably by the rules and regulations that aimed at protecting patients records confidentiality and security.
Today, things have changed, and patients can make neuropsychological assessments at the comfort of their homes. Aside from that, they can detect when something is out of the norm with their behavior as early as possible. Digital neuropsychology has been a powerful development in this field. However, like any other technology, it has its own share of challenges which come with plenty of opportunities.
This article will shed more light into some challenges in digital neuropsychology, discuss solutions that have been applied or proposed, and conclude by taking a look at the opportunities created by this innovation.
Challenges in digital neuropsychology
- Clinicians lack enough knowledge about the new technology
Adoption of digital neuropsychology is meeting dead ends because many neuropsychologists(45%) lack adequate knowledge about the new technology. 18% of those neuropsychologists have never used computerized methodologies on a daily basis before. For this reason, there has been limited use of this powerful innovation, thus neuropsychologists are still relying on the familiar paper-and-pencil approach. Also, some studies performed on tests demonstrated that the assessment lacked enough psychometric properties, thus leading to more skepticism among neuropsychologists.
The limitation can be well addressed by training clinicians about the new technology. Training will help them understand the concerns they have about digital testing. It will also convince neuropsychologists about the benefits of computerized cognitive assessments. Doing this will enhance the shift from existing analog testing to quality digital testing and assessment.
- The assumption that digital neuropsychology will render clinicians obsolete
Will digital tools take over neuropsychologists tasks? This question has been of concern, and it is hindering the adoption of computer-based cognitive assessments. However, this is something the field need not worry about. Digital tools cannot replace neuropsychologist tasks entirely. Patients will require interpretation of the digital assessments. Digital neuropsychology will only evolve their practice by making work easier and saving on time. Nothing more. A good neuropsychological evaluation will require proper clinical tests and reviews.
- Costs of migrating from analog neuropsychological assessment to the software are high
Switching from true-and-tested analog cognitive assessments to a computer-based assessment is associated with costs. These will be either in terms of purchasing new hardware or training the existing staff. Either way, this will require an investment. In recent times, this shouldn’t pose as a barrier to adopting technology in neuropsychology. It is undeniable that digital neuropsychology is worth any investment.
- Functionality may be at risk due to variations in test formats
A transition from the analog cognitive analysis to a digitalized approach definitely means a change in how tasks are performed. Different digital tools will have their unique test format that is different from other tools or an upgraded version of the same tool. These variations often threaten the validity of assessment tests conducted using digital neuropsychology tools. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t get in the way of these technological advancements. Developers should consider minimizing the effects of device variability by consistently testing on what design accommodates a unified test format for all sizes of screen.
- Digital devices vary in characteristics and technical factors
Closely related to variation in test formats is a variation on devices software, hardware, and CPU usage. Digital devices differ in characteristics and other technical factors. Hence, some devices are more accurate than others. Other devices become faster to register a user than others too. As a result, this has threatened the adoption of digital neuropsychology because it affects test performance and assessment of behaviors.
Digital neuropsychology has grown and is proposing a general solution to this challenge, a single device to assess all neuropsychology tests. It might be expensive, but it will reduce the variety of tests from one device to another. The other solution is to develop a user interface design that considers the variations of devices.
- Digital technology is always evolving
Technology is not a constant aspect. Its changes are rapid, unpredictable, and inevitable. This aspect has proven to be a challenge to digital neuropsychology. A new device today might be a thing of the past tomorrow. The manufacturers of digital devices are always working around the clock to provide an improved version of what they manufactured yesterday. For neuropsychologists, this pace can be too fast to keep up with and implement. What is the best solution?
Accommodating the change and conducting regular updates of the software. Neuropsychologist needs to remain proactive and implement any upgrades of the existing techs. They will stay ahead of the game and get more accurate neuropsychological measurements.
What are the opportunities for innovation in the intersection of science and software?
Using digital neuropsychology has numerous benefits such as reduced costs of cognitive assessments and increased accessibility of neuropsychology services. Aside from that, digital neuropsychology is presenting opportunities for other innovation such as;
- Early detection of other neuropsychology problems such as brain dysfunction, dementia, mild cognitive impairments, brain injuries, trauma, and more;
- Capturing a person’s variability in neuropsychology functions over a given time is possible; and
- Digital devices not only make cognitive assessments but can also measure other contextual factors such as environmental factors that validate a person’s neuropsychology functions on a daily basis.
Conclusion
Digital neuropsychology is the next big thing. It has utilized technological advancement to make the costly, time-consuming, and exhaustive process of obtaining a neuropsychology assessment way easier. It has opened a window that has lifted the burden of looking for neuropsychologist off the shoulders of many people. A simple mobile application will accurately diagnose neuropsychology dysfunction with much ease and efficiency. Digital neuropsychology has a promising future. It is only appropriate that you embrace the many benefits and opportunities it provides.
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