Comparing In-Person and Remote Testing of Adult Neurogenic Tests: A Case Report

Abstract

Aim
More than five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for virtual speech therapy services continues. The main aim of this preliminary case report was to determine if participants' performance on adult neurogenic communication disorder tests was similar when evaluations were conducted in-person and remotely. Another aim was to develop adaptations to be used when speech-language pathologists remotely give the tests employed in this report. Some tests used in this study have little or no published adaptations regarding remote administration.
Methods
Two adults participated in this study. Participant 1, a 47 year old female, and Participant 2, a 49 year old female, both had acquired neurogenic communicative disorders, and were given the: Apraxia Battery for Adults-2nd edition, Communication Activities of Daily Living-3rd Edition, Colorado Motor Speech Framework, La Trobe Communication Questionnaire, and Quick Aphasia Battery-Extended and Remote Versions. Testing was done across two sessions per participant. Participant 1 used a tablet during remote testing; Participant 2 used a laptop.
Results
Some tests generated challenges when given remotely; minor technical issues were encountered. Wording to some questions was changed slightly while still retaining the general integrity of the original item. Overall, no significant changes in scores occurred between the two testing conditions.
Conclusions
Clinicians should be able to administer these assessments remotely or in-person with similar outcomes. Remote testing recommendations described can aid clinicians who use these assessments with their telepractice clients. It is recommended adult neurogenic clients use computers/laptops for remote testing and not tablets.