Course content

Neuropsychology examines the relationship between brain structure and function and behaviour by applying psychological methods, which in turn provide insight into resources and challenges at both the individual and group level. Neuropsychological competence is therefore essential in all clinical psychological practice.

he course, in combination with the theoretical course PSYK4605, is intended to give students knowledge of clinical neuropsychological methods and provide training in practical clinical neuropsychological work with both children and adults. Specialist psychologists in neuropsychology, or experienced psychologists under the supervision of a neuropsychology specialist, supervise groups of 4-5 students who, in close collaboration with a test technician, plan and carry out a neuropsychological assessment.

As in the theoretical discipline PSYK4605 the course will emphasize (1) clinical interviewing and observation,(2) knowledge of the patient’s injury/illness/condition,(3) structured qualitative examinations for assessing clear signs of impairment,(4) standardised norm-referenced tests and test batteries, and (5) knowledge from recent health technology and neuroscientific methods.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• The student has knowledge of key neuropsychological topics and issues throughout the life course.
• The student has advanced knowledge of neuropsychological functions that may influence human health, education, work participation, living conditions, recovery processes, and quality of life.
• The student can explain what a neuropsychological examination entails, why it is carried out and what information we get from it.
• The student has advanced knowledge of neuropsychological assessment and treatment for frequent neurological diseases, developmental disorders, disabilities, functional impairments, syndromes and mental disorders.
• The student has knowledge of the normal distribution curve, how the individual's test result should be assessed against the norm group and can use descriptive terminology to describe test results in line with the current consensus on the topic.
• The student can describe conditions that might have an impact on the reliability and validity of neuropsychological testing (for example, reading and writing difficulties, motivation, fatigue, disturbed sleep, mental state).
• The student has knowledge of specific challenges in the neuropsychological examination of people with a different cultural background.
• The student has knowledge of cognitive rehabilitation, habilitation and interdisciplinary treatment.

Skills:

• The student can assess when there is an indication for performing / ordering a neuropsychological examination, and what this can be used for in various cases of illness.
• The student can carry out a basic neuropsychological examination under supervision, including taking anamnesis, testing, scoring, administering test batteries, and obtaining relevant additional information.
• The student can draw conclusions on the patient's cognitive functioning based on a neuropsychological profile, including assessing ability level and cognitive health requirements for driving licenses.
• The student can prepare a report following a basic neuropsychological assessment, under supervision
• The student can use neuropsychological assessment as a basis both for diagnostic assessments and case formulations, and for preparing treatment plans, including plans for habilitation and cognitive rehabilitation, with recommendations for further measures and treatment.
• The student can discuss how qualitative observations can affect quantitative measures.
• The student can document neuropsychological assessment, diagnosis and treatment in the patients record, in line with current regulations.
• The student can discuss different roles, interaction and division of tasks between the service levels in the work with different types of neuropsychological issues.
• The student can communicate results from neuropsychological examination in a respectful and understanding manner.
• The student can carry out a clinical observation sensitively and attentively

• The student can give fellow students and future colleagues constructive evaluation of their clinical interventions and attitudes

• The student can receive and benefit from the constructive feedback of fellow students and supervisors

General competence:

• The student can carry out components of neuropsychological assessments under supervision, and contribute to the initiation and evaluation of relevant interventions.
• The studentcan apply neuropsychological knowledge and adapt assessment and treatment to the patient’s characteristics and goals.
• The student can, under supervision, communicate the results of a neuropsychological assessment and relevant measures to patients or service users, and ensure their involvement in and choices regarding their own assessment and treatment.
• The student can integrate neuropsychological knowledge with other clinical experience.
• The student has knowledge of differential diagnosis, including various neurological conditions and mental disorders.
• The student has knowledge of planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based therapeutic interventions within habilitation and cognitive rehabilitation for mild, moderate, and severe impairments in neuropsychological functions, at the individual, family, and group level.

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of an introductory week (three days of teaching and skills training), twelve days of neuropsychological practice (neuro-placement), one day of poster presentations, and two days of patient case presentations (case seminars) at STAFF.

The introductory week includes both a practical test course and teaching on key cognitive functions.

During the neuropsychological practice placement, students actively participate in planning and carrying out a neuropsychological assessment in collaboration with their supervisor and the test technician. Students conduct anamnesis interviews and administer selected cognitive/neuropsychological tests under the supervision of a neuropsychologist and the oversight of a test technician. Under supervision, students also prepare a draft neuropsychological report. The neuropsychological practice includes one day at the supervisor’s workplace and one day at the department, the latter dedicated to independent work on a poster related to the patient case. At the supervisor’s workplace, students observe a patient feedback session and/or other relevant tasks performed by a neuropsychologist.

Prior to STAFF, a poster presentation day is arranged, where students present and discuss their poster with the cohort and the course coordinators. Supervisors and staff from the neuropsychology clinic are invited. During STAFF, each group presents its patient case, including a description of the clinical question, methods, assessment, and proposed interventions or treatment. Supervisors and course coordinators are present, and staff from the neuropsychology clinic are invited.

Compulsory assignments

• 100% attendance at skills training during the introductory week
• 80% attendance at the theoretical part of introductory week
• 100% attendance in placement (both at department + supervisor's workplace)
• 100% attendance at both poster-presentation and STAFF

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The following courses must be passed before registering for the course: PSYK4600, PSYK4601, PSYK4602, PSYK4603, and PSYK4604.

The class is divided into two groups: one group takes PSYK4605 and PSYK4606, while the other group takes PSYK4522. The groups switch courses the following semester.

Credit reductions