Teleneuropsychology for Monolingual and Bilingual Spanish-Speaking Adults in the Time of COVID-19: Rationale, Professional Considerations, and Resources

Abstract

Objective: Neuropsychological assessments with monolingual Spanish and bilingual Spanish/English-speaking adults present unique challenges. Barriers include, but are not limited to, the paucity of test norms, uncertainty about the equivalence of translated neuropsychological tests, and limited proficiency in the provision of culturally competent services. Similar issues generalize to telephone- and video-based administration of neuropsychological tests or teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) with Hispanics/Latinos (as), and few studies have examined its feasibility and validity in this group. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted neuropsychologists to identify alternative ways to provide equitable care. Clinicians providing TeleNP to this population during (and after) the pandemic must consider safety, professional factors, and systemic barriers to accessing and benefitting from virtual modalities. Method: This clinical process manuscript describes how cross-cultural neuropsychologists across five U.S. academic institutions serving Hispanics/Latinos (as) developed TeleNP models of care during the pandemic. Results: Workflows, test batteries, and resources for TeleNP assessment with monolingual and bilingual Spanish-speaking patients are included. Factors guiding model development and informing decisions to incorporate virtual administration of neuropsychological tests into their practice are also discussed. Conclusions: Provision of TeleNP is a promising modality. Additional research in this area is warranted with focus on cultural and contextual factors that support or limit the use of TeleNP with this community.