Remote Assessments

Telepractice Assessment

Telepractice or remote assessment using a Zoom platform can be a reliable and valid alternative to face-to-face assessments. After careful consultation with either parents or the person involved this may be considered to be an appropriate method of assessment.

Test publishers have made their materials available for remote administration and various regulatory bodies have now accepted that this method of assessment is a good alternative to a face-to-face assessment. All of the usual tests can be administered and most children, young people and adults have become used to and comfortable with this way of working, having engaged in home learning or home working. Children are ‘digitally native’ and familiar with using screens as a tool for learning. Many people are more comfortable having the assessment in their familiar home environment.

However, this way of working may not be suitable for all children/young people or adults due to perhaps their age or attention span or the IT equipment required at home and this will need to be considered carefully before deciding whether a remote assessment is appropriate. Prior to the assessment, as always, the history of the child/young person or adult's learning will be looked at and information from the parents, school or adult will be gathered to make sure this is a suitable method of assessment. 

My professional associations and insurance company have issued guidance for this way of working, with which I am fully compliant.

The decision to go ahead with a remote assessment has to be made jointly by the parents, school, child/young person, adult and the psychologist. Further details about remote assessments are available upon request.