Immediate actions for implementation | Next actions for implementation | Medium term development of harmonized assessment |
---|---|---|
If possible, use cUDS as from Table 1 If not possible, adopt local analogues (differences in administration order are admitted, when the cUDS tests are already used in local batteries guaranteeing appropriate administration relative to delay, interference, etc.) Define a standard format for data entry and for the clinical report Coordinate next steps consistently across countries to get aligned as much as possible (e.g., exact version of tests) |
Extend representativeness of the consortium Perform survey to explore feasibility, hurdles, facilitators and needs for implementing cUDS in academic and non-academic memory clinics Potentiate reciprocal connection of research and clinical centers Offer services to clinicians, to: • connect and receive feedback support compliance to harmonization • Define copyright-free cUDS tests in the same way as done for UDS-3 (1) • Provide local norms with the harmonized methodology proposed here (labs of neuropsychology) • Bridge with pertinent stakeholders (e.g., health refunders, regulators) for consistent implementation • Identify tests most needed to complete appropriately cUDS (uncovered domains; actual administration time & tasks for interference/delay; etc.) |
Adapt tests across European cultures and languages Develop alternate test versions for repeated testing Validate cUDS: • For most widespread languages first • for the 27 EU languages (include language variant sub-samples in main languages) • based on the defined harmonized methods both paper-pencil and tablet version if available • Define backwards compatibility to shift from currently used batteries to the standard • Disseminate the information about cUDS implementation capillary through clinical and professional networks and Scientific Societies Adapt tests for digitally-assisted assessment (tablet) • Converge informatics experts and entrepreneurs to overcome issues on digitally-assisted assessment Possibly include more, or more sensitive, tests, thanks to digital advancements • Keep developing hypothesis-driven and culture-free tests, and validate them based on the consensually defined methodology • Consider the use of robust controls to compare, and possibly improve, normative values and test sensitivity in the future • Select newly developed tests based on diagnostic performance • Fine-tune cUDS and implementation based on consensus with all stakeholders |
1. Weintraub S, Besser L, Dodge HH, Teylan M, Ferris S, Goldstein FC, et al. Version 3 of the Alzheimer Disease Centers’ Neuropsychological Test Battery in the Uniform Data Set (UDS). Alzheimer Assoc Disord. marzo 2018;32(1):10–7.