Neuropsychological assessment by video teleconference in adults: A systematic review

Among the diverse advantages that neuropsychological assessment via video teleconference (VTC) presents, increased accessibility and convenience are the most recognized. However, questions remain regarding the impact of VTC on the validity of neuropsychological testing. This systematic review aimed to (a) update the current knowledge of neuropsychological testing validity conducted via VTC in adults; (b) identify factors contributing to variability in results; and (c) recommend best practices for conducting these assessments. A total of 21 crossover studies were analyzed. The samples of these studies included healthy adults and individuals with cognitive impairments, with mean ages ranging from 23 to 81 years. Overall, the results point toward a strong agreement between VTC and in-person assessments. However, some variability was found across domains, with motor and timed tasks being particularly vulnerable to technical problems such as poor video/audio quality, unstable internet connections, limited familiarity with software and inadequacy of some devices. Additional challenges were identified when providing these services to individuals with cognitive impairments, specifically in tasks requiring clear verbal instructions or precise visual details. Further research is essential to establish standardized VTC protocols and administration guidelines, particularly for clinical populations, to mitigate variability and enhance the validity of VTC-based neuropsychological assessment.