Population |
TeleNP is useful for adult patients (18–90 years old) with MCI, mild to moderate dementia or cognitively healthy individuals. |
B |
|
TeleNP should not be applied for patients with visual or auditory deficits, acute confusional states, or severe communication difficulties. |
B |
|
TeleNP is not recommended for patients with severe dementia. |
F |
Informed consent |
Before providing psychological services of any kind, patients must give and sign an informed consent. |
F |
|
Consent must be obtained within the framework of the legal provisions enforced by each country. |
|
|
Recorded verbal informed consent or consent through electronic signature can be obtained, but its validity depends on local laws. |
|
|
For digital consent, the use of a system which guarantees information access, user identity and security is recommended. |
|
|
The REDCap platform is recommended due to its availability, open access and security. |
|
|
Consent should include unique concerns arising from the teleNP assessment framework: scope of the intervention, confidentiality, use of personal data, whether the interview will be recorded and screenshot management. |
|
|
It should be made clear that the use of teleNP may carry additional risks to privacy and confidentiality. |
|
|
It should be clarified that most of the conclusions are based on face-to-face assessments, which limits conclusions and recommendations of the teleassessment. |
|
Strategies for conducting a teleNP assessment |
Before the assessment: |
F |
|
Check patient profile for suitability for a teleNP assessment. |
|
|
Ensure that the patient has adequate equipment and software for a teleNP. |
|
|
Secure a private and silent environment. |
|
|
Clarify that only the patient and the on-site facilitator, if required, should be present in the room. |
|
|
Send and receive signed informed consent. |
|
|
During the assessment: |
F |
|
Confirm the patient’s identity and establish an emergency plan in case the connection is interrupted. |
|
|
Ensure that the patient has the necessary materials for the assessment. |
|
|
Keep a written copy of all protocol material. |
|
|
Use the “share screen” function to show stimuli. |
|
|
Control when stimuli must be out of patient sight. |
|
|
Obtain screenshots only when needed to capture and record evidence of tasks that require the patient to write or draw. |
|
Presence of facilitator |
A facilitator’s presence is not always required for proper test administration. |
B |
|
A facilitator’s presence is recommended when administering tests with a motor response. |
B |
|
On-site facilitators may be especially relevant for patients with low education and low familiarity with technology. |
F |
Technological requirements |
A broadband connection is recommended to reduce the likelihood of sound or image disruption or failure. |
B |
|
Patients must use a screen that is at least 13″ in size, which excludes smartphones. |
F |
Selection of tests and use of normative data |
The use of verbally dependent tasks is recommended. |
B |
|
The use of tests with motor responses requires on-site support/assistance. |
B |
Use of normative data |
For selected studies (Table 5), normative data from face-to-face tests may be used. |
B |