When new technology is an answer for old problems: the use of videoconferencing in cognitive aging assessment

People living with cognitive impairment and dementia require regular screening of their symptomatology and needs. Brief cognitive screening is crucial for assessing these conditions. Such screening can give health professionals a snapshot of the patient’s cognitive abilities and help in their monitoring and adaptation. An appropriate administration of brief cognitive screening using telemedicine technology, such as videoconference, can improve access to care and treatment planning. Moreover, the burden that rural and underserved communities often suffer because of limited access to specialty mental health services is also of concern. Herein, in this review, we describe the existing and relevant research regarding the administration of neuropsychological instruments via videoconferencing, and suggest methodological improvements for further studies. To date, only a handful of scientific studies have been published documenting the feasibility and acceptability of videoconferencing among older people and health professionals. Varying in their assessment tools, the studies demonstrate the reliability of cognitive testing and clinical diagnosis of dementia via videoconferencing, as noted by the associations between results of several cognitive tests using it as compared to face-to-face interviews. Further research is required to replicate findings and bring new solutions for their adaptation to a wide range of individuals, health professionals, areas of practice and settings.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Using Technology to Expand the Reach of PCIT

Disruptive behavior disorders are the most common behavioral health referral for children. While numerous evidence-based behavioral parent training programs exist to ameliorate these problems, dissemination attempts have still fallen short of population need. Further, family barriers to treatment and low family retention rates have limited the effectiveness and reach of behavioral parent training programs. Technology-enhanced services and dissemination have been cited as potential solutions for increasing both parent training population reach and family engagement in services. Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) lends itself naturally to the use of technology. Technology is already embedded in PCIT delivery as therapists live coach parent–child interactions from behind a one-way mirror or via live, secure video feed (in-office or home-based). The use of a live coaching model of treatment has led to innovations in dissemination, training, and supervision methods for training PCIT clinicians. The model has also led to advances in technology-based approaches to the delivery of PCIT and the augmentation of existing PCIT services. Within this chapter, we explore methods for how technology can expand the reach of PCIT. Specifically, we discuss technology-based PCIT training approaches and technologically enhanced delivery of services and consider future directions for other technologically driven formats of PCIT delivery or dissemination