Beatrice Hadiwidjaja
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Ellen Johnson
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychiatry- Neuropsychology / Medicine
Program: UROP
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Authors: Beatrice Hadiwidjaja, Ellen Johnson, Kyler Mulhauser, Kristen Votruba
Abstract
Background: Neuropsychological evaluations assess a patient’s cognitive abilities to better understand their brain functioning. Although most neuropsychologists believe neuropsychological evaluations are helpful to patients (Smith et al., 2017), not many studies have examined patient experiences. There is also little research regarding how aspects of the evaluation, such as patient-provider gender match, can impact patient outcomes. Research examining patient-provider gender concordance has found that gender match in medical service is significant for facilitating patient satisfaction with their treatment (Schmittdiel et al., 2000), thus it may also play a role in patients’ experiences undergoing neuropsychological evaluations. No studies have observed the impact of provider gender match on patient behavioral outcomes, because of neuropsychological evaluation feedback. Objective: We aim to present descriptive data on patient-provider relationship factors in neuropsychological evaluations, including perceived helpfulness, perceptions of providers’ cultural responsiveness, and strength of the working relationship between the patient and provider. Lastly, it is the aim of the study to understand whether participant-provider gender match relates to patient-rated relationship factors. Methods: The study includes 10 patients who underwent neuropsychological evaluations. Patients were screened for eligibility prior to their evaluation appointments, and eligible patients were invited to participate. Participants completed an informed consent in accordance with the university’s regulatory standards. Participants completed online survey measures including the Cultural Humility Scale (Hook et al., 2013), Working Alliance Inventory – Short Revised (adapted from Hatcher & Gillaspy, 2006), and Patient Perceived Helpfulness Measure (adapted from Smith et al., 2007). Descriptive analysis will be conducted with survey data. Results: We expect that among participants whose gender matched their provider, patient-provider relationship factors will be stronger and perceived helpfulness will be higher. Conclusion: The results will improve our understanding of patient experiences undergoing neuropsychological evaluations. Establishing the factors impacting patient satisfaction can help neuropsychologists provide better patient care.
