Cost Effectiveness

Question 1

What are the 5 major tasks of a neuropsychologist as defined by the National Acadamy of Neuropsychology, US

Answer 1

1) Assesment
2) Diagnosis
3) Treatment and/or rehabilitation
4) Use of techniques and tests to evaluate
5) Plan and implement intervention strategies

Question 2

Name some dimensions of a clinical neuropsychological examination

Answer 2

• processing speed
• attention
• memory and learning
• executive functions
• visuo-spatial skills
• speech and language functions
• perceptual skills (auditory, visual and tactual)
• psychomotor speed and coordination of simple motor responses
• emotional and motivational characteristics
• social functioning and social cognition
• self-awareness of level of functioning and judgements regarding psychosocial implications

Question 3

Why would you even carry out neuropsychological examinations when the cost more than they produce?

Answer 3

Because of markers of value = eventually money is saved because of avoided health care costs and by returning an individual to work and social responsibility

Question 4

Name 6 objective markers of value

Answer 4

1) reduce costs and liability
2) improve quality of life
3) assess the effectiveness of treatment
4) guide treatment procedures
5) provide a continuum of care for patients
6) improve physician education and decision making

Question 5

Name 3 subjective markers of value

Answer 5

1) reduce patient’s sense of psychological aloneness with daily problems
2) reduce patient’s expectations, confusion and frustration about the nature of their disturbances
3) help family members feel less guilty in making decisions regarding brain-dysfunctional adults and children

Question 6

Name the two types of ‘data’ or ‘evidence’ needed for clinical neuropsychology to flourish as a profession (Article Prigatano and Morrone-Strupinski, 2010)

Answer 6

1. Well-designed, ‘evidence-based’ outcome studies that demonstrate the efficacy and the cost-effectiveness of our procedures and interventions
2. Individual practicing clinicians need to demonstrate clearly to the referring pshysicians the value of their clinical judgment in patient care