Equivalence, modality use and patient satisfaction of telepractice administration of the scenario test in persons with primary progressive aphasia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of telediagnostics for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) could improve access to specialised care. There is a gap in research, especially regarding to the evaluation of communicative-pragmatic measurement tools in a digital setting. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the equivalence, modality use, and patient satisfaction of telepractice administration of the Scenario Test (ST) in people with PPA. METHODS: In a cross-over design, the ST was conducted once by videoconferencing and once in person. Fifteen people with PPA participated. Participant satisfaction was assessed after each test session using a short self-designed questionnaire. The total ST scores, the use of the different communicative modalities and the participant satisfaction scores were evaluated using the equivalence and McNemar test. RESULTS: Statistical equivalence was established for the present sample with regard to the total score of the ST. Regarding the use of the different modalities, no significant difference was found. Sample satisfaction was positive for both diagnostic settings, but there was no statistical equivalence of satisfaction. Severe psychiatric and cognitive symptoms affected the test performance. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights opportunities and limitations of telepractice administration of the ST in people with PPA. There is some evidence that testing with the ST via videoconferencing is feasible. Differences in the use of communication modalities and participant satisfaction should be further investigated. Influencing factors such as psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits should be considered in future research projects.