Whether and how to implement modern technologies? Controversies surrounding the modernization of assessment tools on the example of clinical neuropsychology

Abstract

In the era of enormous development of modern technologies, there is an ongoing discussion among neuropsychologists about the modernization of diagnostic methods used in clinical practice. Unlike the area of scientific research, the clinical practice of neuropsychology is characterized by great resistance to the modernization of assessment methods. The roots of neuropsychological tools commonly used in clinical practice, even in highly developed countries, date back to the 19th century. There are many reasons for this phenomenon. One of them is the concern to maintain the highest psychometric and clinical standards established for diagnostic assessment methods and procedures, established in the course of the development of neuropsychology as a science. Modernization and creation of new methods that will be used in clinical practice may be achieved in many ways: a) as a result of the integration of neurosciences and health sciences, b) thanks to the implementation of modern psychometric and mathematical algorithms, including artificial intelligence, and c) through data obtained by technical devices used by the patient in everyday life. However, each of these potential development paths has its limitations. While accepting the need to modernize measurement methods for neuropsychological diagnosis in clinical practice, it should not be forgotten that implementation of modern technologies cannot be the primary goal. For the good of the patient, it is crucial to maintain the highest psychometric and clinical standards in terms of assessment methods developed over the years.