Remote Testing of Adult Neurogenic Tests: Implications and Recommendations for Speech-Language Pathologists

Abstract

Purpose: One purpose of this preliminary case report was to document the challenges that can arise when giving adult neurogenic tests via telepractice. Another purpose was to develop recommendations on adaptations that can be made when speech-language pathologists give the tests employed in this report. Though one test was adapted by its authors to be given remotely, the other two tests have little or no published adaptations regarding remote administration.Methods: A 33 year old female and a 51 year old male, both of whom have acquired neurogenic communicative disorders, were given the Apraxia Battery for Adults-2nd edition, the Ross Information Processing Assessment-2nd edition, and the Quick Aphasia Battery-Remote via telepractice across 2-3 sessions per participant. The female participant used an iPad during remote testing, while the male participant used a Chromebook.Results: All three tests had some challenges when given remotely. Though slight technical issues were encountered, the research team needed to make various test adaptations, such as putting pictures into a Google presentation so that patients could adequately see the target picture. In other instances, wording to questions were changed slightly while still retaining the general integrity of the original item.Conclusions: Recommended adaptations to the three tests used in this study are included. Though issues may arise during telepractice, these suggestions should aid clinicians who want to use these tests with their telepractice clients.