Authors :
Presenting Author: Genevieve Rayner, MPsych PhD – The University of Melbourne
Robyn Busch, PhD – Cleveland Clinic
Aimee Dollman, MPsych – University of Cape Town, Rondebosch
Jacquie Eyres, MPsych – The University of Melbourne
Kelsey Hewitt, PhD – Prisma Health
Erica Meltzer, PhD – Northwell
Patricia Rzezak, PhD – Clinics Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo
Shivani Sharma, PhD – University College London
Mary Lou Smith, PhD – University of Toronto
Rationale:
Technological innovations present significant opportunities to enhance neuropsychological assessment and intervention in epilepsy. Yet, compared to other healthcare fields, neuropsychology has been comparatively slow to integrate technological advancements into clinical practice. The aim of this study was to characterise the current neuropsychology workforce in epilepsy care, document existing technological practices, and identify technologies that could improve the holistic care of people with epilepsy.Methods:
An online survey comprising multi-choice and open-ended questions was distributed to a cross-sectional cohort of neuropsychologists across multiple countries. The survey collected quantitative and qualitative data on clinical settings in which neuropsychological services are provided to people with epilepsy, technologies and tools currently in use, barriers to use, and desired technological developments.
Results:
The final sample included 179 neuropsychologists from over 40 countries, most of whom were women (69%), aged 30-49 (60%), who held a PhD (60%). Key barriers to technology use included lack of validated telehealth tools, limited financial resources to purchase tools, and an absence of relevant norms. Respondents from lower-income countries more often cited internet access and cultural suitability as challenges. Priorities for future tools included predictive algorithms and novel applications for neuroimaging.
Conclusions:
This international survey highlights that while neuropsychologists working in epilepsy settings recognize the potential of technological innovations to enhance assessment and intervention, significant barriers hinder widespread adoption. These include systemic and logistical challenges that disproportionately affect lower-income regions. Neuropsychologists expressed strong interest in technologies such as predictive algorithms and advanced neuroimaging tools to assist their practice. To bridge the gap between technological potential and clinical practice, future efforts must prioritize the development of accessible, culturally appropriate, and evidence-based tools that align with the needs and realities of the global neuropsychology workforce.
Funding: Research assistance by J.A. was funded by the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences consulting funds of
G.R.