Cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment in the European Union: A Delphi expert study

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Documents

  • Fulltext

    Final published version, 764 KB, PDF document

Objective: The increasing ethnic diversity in the European Union (EU) calls for adaptations to neuropsychological assessment practices. The aims of this study were to examine the current state of cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment in EU-15 countries and to provide recommendations for researchers and policy makers. Method: Twelve experts from nine EU-15 countries participated in a Delphi consensus study involving two sequential rounds of web-based questionnaires and an in-person consensus meeting. The experts individually rated Delphi topics on the basis of importance (scale 1-10). The degree of consensus was determined by assessing first and third quartiles (Q1 and Q3) and medians. Results: Consensus outcomes showed the following priorities: (a) the development of tests (median importance rating 10, Q1-Q3: 9-10), (b) the collection of normative data (median importance rating 9, Q1-Q3: 8-10), and (c) more training, awareness, and knowledge regarding cross-cultural assessment among neuropsychologists in the EU (median importance rating 9, Q1-Q3: 8-10). Whereas memory tests were often available, tests measuring social cognition (median 9, Q1-Q3: 8-10) and language (median 9, Q1-Q3: 7-10) are particularly lacking. Recommendations were made regarding essential skills and knowledge necessary for cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment. Conclusions: This study in a small group of experts suggests that the development and availability of cross-cultural tests and normative data should be prioritized, as well as the development and implementation of training initiatives. Furthermore, EU guidelines could be established for working with interpreters during neuropsychological assessment. Before implementing these recommendations, follow-up studies are recommended that include more minority neuropsychologists and community stakeholders.

Original languageEnglish
JournalArchives of Clinical Neuropsychology
Volume36
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)815-830
Number of pages16
ISSN0887-6177
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw Memorabel) [grant number 733050834 to SF, JMP, EvdB].

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

    Research areas

  • cross cultural test adaptation, cultural competence, cultural sensitivity, Delphi technique, minority groups

ID: 307093728