Comparing face-to-face and videoconference assessment of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need to evaluate cognitive profile via videoconferencing (teleneuropsychology, TeleNP) as a suitable alternative to face-to-face assessment (F-F). Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and the reliability of Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (R-BRB) remote administration in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Methods: Sixty PwMS underwent R-BRB in two conditions: F-F and TeleNP, 1 month apart. Results: Cognitive test performance was similar, regardless of the administration type, but visuospatial test performance was better in F-F. Conclusion: These data suggest that TeleNP is feasible and highly reliable in MS clinical practice.