The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telepractice in various healthcare fields, including speech-language pathology. One notable advancement is the use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) via videoconference, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive assessments during periods of social distancing and for reaching patients in remote areas. A recent study titled "Videoconference version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: normative data for Quebec-French people aged 50 years and older" provides valuable insights and normative data that can enhance the practice of online therapy.
This study developed French-Quebec normative data for the videoconference administration of the MoCA, considering sociodemographic characteristics such as age, education, and sex. The research involved 230 community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older, and the findings revealed that older age and lower education were associated with poorer MoCA scores. These results are pivotal for practitioners as they provide a reliable reference to interpret MoCA scores in a remote setting.
Here are some key takeaways for practitioners:
- Normative Data: The study provides normative data specific to the Quebec-French population, enabling accurate interpretation of MoCA scores when administered via videoconference.
- Predictive Model: A regression equation was developed to calculate Z scores, considering age and education, which helps in assessing cognitive impairment accurately.
- Remote Accessibility: The videoconference administration of the MoCA increases accessibility to cognitive assessments for individuals in remote areas, ensuring continuous care.
For practitioners looking to improve their skills, implementing these findings into your practice can enhance the accuracy and reliability of remote cognitive assessments. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of developing and using normative data tailored to specific populations and contexts, which is crucial for valid and sensitive assessments.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Videoconference version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: normative data for Quebec-French people aged 50 years and older.
