Clinical Assessment in Clinical Videoconferencing

Abstract

Purpose This chapter addresses the barriers, solutions, and best practices for conducting patient assessments with clinical videoconferencing (CV) technologies. Specific attention is given to the benefits of CV assessment and recommendations for preparing, optimizing, and conducting clinical assessments over CV. Practical concerns such as the exchange of assessment materials, data security, processes for determining the appropriateness of CV-based assessments, and recommendations for assuring the integrity of assessment instruments are also covered. Context The information is relevant to clinicians and clinical managers because unfamiliarity with best practices and technical capabilities can threaten the practice of competent, ethical, and effective clinical assessment services, even when replicating well-known and familiar in-person assessment practices via CV. Tools The chapter provides useful information for selecting compatible assessment measures and procedures, a table of psychological and neurocognitive measures previously used in CV settings, a list of common methods and best practices for the exchange of assessment materials to and from remote treatment sites, guidelines for conducting informed consent for CV assessment, and a working knowledge of the technological aspects of CV-based clinical assessments.