TY  - JOUR
AU  - Tailby, C
AU  - Collins, AJ
AU  - Vaughan, DN
AU  - Abbott, DF
AU  - O'Shea, M
AU  - Helmstaedter, C
AU  - Jackson, GD
Y2  - 2020/12/16
Y1  - 2020/12/01
SN  - 1059-1311
UR  - http://hdl.handle.net/11343/254471
AB  - 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 large-scale neuropsychological research during periods of social distancing (and beyond), and offers an opportunity to expand the reach and breadth of neuropsychological services.
LA  - English
PB  - W B SAUNDERS CO LTD
T1  - Teleneuropsychology in the time of COVID-19: The experience of The Australian Epilepsy Project
DO  - 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.10.005
IS  - Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy
VL  - 83
SP  - 89-97
OP  - 1091593
ER  -