Name
#160 Increasing Access to High Quality Neuropsychological Evaluations for Veterans with Military Environmental Exposures
Content Presented on Behalf of
VHA/VA
Services/Agencies represented
Veterans Health Administration/Veterans Affairs (VHA/VA)
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Behavioral and Mental Health, Clinical Care
Learning Outcomes
1. Attendees will be able to describe differences between onsite and telehealth neuropsychological evaluations for Veterans with military exposures.
2. Attendees will be able to assess how telehealth access has transformed care for Veterans with cognitive concerns in the context of military exposures.
3. Attendees will be able to identify referral pathways and resources for Veterans presenting with cognitive issues in the context of military environmental exposures.
Session Currently Live
Description
The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) is a post-deployment tertiary care center providing comprehensive healthcare evaluations for Veterans with conditions related to military environmental exposures (MEEs). As part of their evaluation, all Veterans are offered a neuropsychological evaluation to examine their cognitive status and assist in treatment planning. Due to the closure of our clinics in March 2020, in response to the COVID19 pandemic, these services adapted to telehealth and have continued to date. A program evaluation study is needed to determine whether continuation of telehealth is meeting the healthcare needs of Veterans. To that end the WRIISC Neuropsychologist team convened to define the objectives of the neuropsychological evaluation for MEE and its adaptations for Video-to-Home visits. Next, we describe and compare two assessment approaches (Cognitive Screen vs. Brief Neuropsychological Evaluation) and two modalities (in-person vs. telehealth). This qualitative review examines barriers and facilitators in the provision of services, as well as the suitability of different approaches for the evaluation of potential MEE related cognitive and neurobehavioral changes. Service utilization and performance indicators will be examined. In general, feedback from both the providers and Veterans was positive. Providers appreciated being able to connect to the Veteran and to discuss the Veteran’s concerns in real time. The Veterans felt that the appointments were beneficial and offered information and recommendations that could be utilized to improve quality of life. They especially appreciated the adaptations that the WRIISC made in order to continue to offer complete and thorough evaluations, with a focus on keeping our Veterans safe during the pandemic. A preliminary review of neuropsychology visit completion rates showed that the case load remained about the same. For example, in the 12-month period before the clinic closure, the CA WRIISC Neuropsychology Clinic saw 50 cases, and in the 12-month period after initiating telehealth there 42 cases. A review of our referral for telehealth comprehensive showed that a greater number of Veterans regardless of service connection was seen for comprehensive evaluation because travel was no longer a requirement. A greater number of women were evaluated and this was in part due to recruitment efforts undertaken to reduce disparity. Telehealth clinics also allowed for greater inclusion of family members and caregivers in the evaluation process and feedback. Additionally, the transition to telehealth promoted the use of digital tools that helped streamline assessment, communication of results, education, and brief interventions. In conclusion, telehealth NP within the WRIISC has increased access to care.