The Ethics of Using Caregivers as Cognitive Testers

Abstract

O’Caoimh et al. demonstrated that caregivers or family members could administer and score a brief cognitive screening instrument and detect cognitive impairment with comparable accuracy to similar measures administered in-person by trained staff. This novel approach challenges us to consider the boundaries of how caregivers or other family members are used in remote testing. We discuss the potential risks of administration bias, test integrity, and impacts on the patient and caregiver or family member, and we recommend further research before incorporating this practice into routine clinical or research use.