Tele-neuropsychology in culturally and linguistically diverse populations within the U.S. and U.S. territories: A scoping review ¹

Abstract

Objective: Tele-neuropsychology (teleNP) has the potential to deliver assessment to people who face limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services, health disparities, and negative social determinants of health (SDOH). We reviewed to what extent teleNP has been examined in racially and ethnically diverse samples within the U.S. and U.S. territories and describe validity, feasibility, barriers, and facilitators. Method: A scoping review was conducted to examine factors relevant to teleNP with racially/ethnically diverse samples, using Google Scholar and PubMed®. Key words referenced “tele-neuropsychology,” racial/ethnic populations within the U.S. and territories, and relevant constructs (e.g. “validity,” “feasibility”). Studies included in the final analysis were empirical, addressed teleNP, and included racially/ethnically diverse individuals within the U.S. The search resulted in 10,312 articles total, with 9,670 following removal of duplicates. We excluded 9,600 following abstract review, and an additional 54 articles following full-text review. Thus, 16 studies were included in the final analysis. Results: Results showed the greatest number of studies supporting feasibility and utility of teleNP with older LatinX/Hispanic adults. Limited reliability and validity data suggested that, for the most part, teleNP and face-to-face neuropsychological evaluations were broadly equivalent, and no studies contraindicated use of teleNP in culturally diverse populations. Conclusions: This review provides preliminary support, particularly in terms of teleNP feasibility, with culturally diverse individuals. Current research is hampered by low inclusion of culturally diverse individuals and limited studies, and while support is nascent, these findings should be balanced with promotion of healthcare equity/access.