Course content

Neuropsychology studies the relationship between brain structure and function and behaviour by applying psychological methods, which in turn provide knowledge about resources and challenges at both the individual and group levels. Neuropsychological competence is therefore important in all clinical psychological activities.

The course will, in combination with the theoretical course PSYK4605, provide the student with knowledge of clinical neuropsychological method and provide training in practical clinical neuropsychological work for children and adults. Specialist in neuropsychology supervises groups of 4-5 students, who, in close cooperation with the test technician, plan and perform neuropsychological examination.

As in the theoretical discipline PSYK4605 the course will emphasize (1) clinical interview and observation, (2) knowledge of the patient's injury/illness/condition, (3) structured qualitative examinations for assessment of clear signs of failure, (4) standardized tests and inventories, 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 and 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 potentially 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 independently carry out a basic neuropsychological examination, including taking anamnesis, testing, scoring, administering test batteries, and obtaining relevant additional information.

The student can draw conclusions regarding the patient's cognitive functioning based on a neuropsychological profile, including assessing ability level and cognitive health requirements for driving licenses.

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.

General competence:

The student can independently carry out neuropsychological examinations, as well as initiate and evaluate relevant interventions.

The student can apply neuropsychological knowledge and adapt assessment and treatment to the patient's abilities and goals.

The student can plan, implement and evaluate various evidence-based therapeutic interventions within habilitation and cognitive rehabilitation for mild, moderate and severe impairment of

level.

The student can integrate neuropsychological knowledge with other clinical experiences.

The student has knowledge of differential diagnosis, including various neurological conditions and mental disorders.

The student can communicate results from a neuropsychological assessment and relevant measures to patients/users, as well as ensure patients/users' participation in, and choice about, their own assessment and treatment.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching consists of introduction week, 3 weeks of neuropsychological practice (neuropractice) and presentation of patient cases. Introduction week contains both practical test course and teaching of key cognitive functions. In clinical neuropsychological practice, students are actively involved in the planning and implementation of a real neuropsychological examination in collaboration with their supervisor and test technician, and the students will carry out an anamnesis recording and administer tests. Each group must present their case to other students, with a description of the problem, method, examination and suggestions for measures and treatment, as well as hold a professional lecture that is relevant for the case.

Compulsory assignments

• 100 % attendance at skills training in introduction week
• 80% attendance at theory
• 100 % attendance at staff
• 100% attendance at practice.

Further on evaluation

The student's assessment is pass/fail based on attendance and skills demonstrated during 3 weeks of neuropsychological practice.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Alle emnene må være bestått: PSYK4600, PSYK4601, PSYK4602, PSYK4603, PSYK4604

Kullet deles i to dette semesteret. Den ene gruppen skal ta PSYPRO4605 og PSYPRO4606. Den andre gruppen skal ta PSYPRO4505 og perspektivemne, og omvendt det påfølgende semester.

Credit reductions