Neuropsychological feedback: a survey of Australian clinical practice

Abstract

Objective: There is increasing evidence for the benefits of providing neuropsychological assessment feedback to patients and caregivers, but the current practices of clinical neuropsychologists are unclear.This survey study aimed to determine the provision of neuropsychological feedback practices by Australian neuropsychologists across a range of settings and patient groups.Method: An online survey was circulated to eligible practising clinicians via an Australian Google Group of clinical neuropsychologists.The survey comprised demographic, education, and practice-related questions, followed by questions relating to the participants' training, experience and confidence in providing neuropsychological feedback.Participants were also asked about the usefulness and barriers to feedback.Results: Of the 102 clinicians who participated, 60% reported that they routinely provide neuropsychological assessment feedback and a further 16% provide it frequently.Participants reported high confidence in their capacity to provide feedback.However, there was variability across different patient groups, with the highest frequency of routine feedback seen in the paediatric setting and the lowest in the areas of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.The duration and aims of feedback were relatively consistent, with most sessions lasting 30-60 minutes and covering similar themes.Conclusions: In summary, Australian neuropsychologists who participated are providing regular neuropsychological feedback services across a range of patient groups and are confident to do so.However, there were substantial differences in the frequency of feedback provided across patient groups.Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of neuropsychological feedback across patient groups and the barriers to providing routine feedback, particularly for older adults. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic:(1) There is growing evidence for the benefits of providing neuropsychological feedback across a range of patient groups and settings.(2) There is variability around how often feedback is provided and the specific feedback delivery methods used by clinicians.(3) It is not known what factors (e.g., patient characteristics and clinical setting) influence the delivery of neuropsychological assessment feedback.What this topic adds:(1) Australian clinical neuropsychologists provide neuropsychological feedback fairly regularly, and report they are confident to do so.(2) The frequency of feedback delivery was variable across different patient groups and was lowest in the areas of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.(3) Barriers to providing neuropsychological feedback were identified as the patient's lack of insight and level of cognitive impairment, and a lack of time.

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