Advanced Technology and Assessment
The role of technology in neuropsychological practice has expanded dramatically in recent years, and its presence and evolving nature provide both exciting opportunities and sizeable risks that challenge practitioners ethically. Computerized test administration, scoring, and interpretation are now so common that is it hard to imagine a neuropsychologist’s practice that does not incorporate some combination of these technologies. Some of the most commonly used measures have become so complex or offer so many variables to consider that their scoring and interpretation would be extremely difficult, if not prohibitive, without the use of technology. Additionally, assessment of some cognitive constructs, such as sustained attention or response time, typically requires a computer for administration. Without computers for assessing such constructs, the understanding of the test taker’s cognitive abilities would be limited, and the decision to forgo use of such measures would not be consistent with optimal practice. Some referral sources, particularly in forensic contexts, specifically require the use of measures that are computer-administered, scored, and/or interpreted. Finally, computers, or other technologic devices, such as tablets, are now widely used by practitioners for completing and storing reports and other documentation, and telecommunications like email are commonly used for transmitting reports. Thus, technology now permeates the practice of clinical neuropsychology and will likely continue to do so forever. Even practitioners who prefer to limit use of technology must accept that it is here and is here to stay. This is not a bad thing. There are many advantages to the use of digital assessment and data storage. As Wahlstrom (in press) stated: After decades of incremental technological advancements, neuropsychology is beginning to see a rapid expansion of digital applications available to clinicians. In the short-term, these applications promise to replace paper materials and will make testing more efficient, accurate, and engaging for both the examinee and examiner.