This study aimed at documenting the use of mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) and applications in clinical practice by neuropsychologists and trainees in clinical neuropsychology programs.

As of summer 2023, participants are 70 clinical neuropsychologists and 17 doctoral trainees from the province of Québec, Canada. They responded to an invitation, sent out by email (snowball method) and posted on social networks, to fill out an online survey (REDCap platform) on the use of mobile technology in clinical neuropsychology. The survey was developed and distributed in collaboration with the Association québécoise des neuropsychologues (Quebec Association of Neuropsychologists). It included 30 multiple-choice or open-ended questions covering the experience, advantages, disadvantages, facilitators, and barriers of using mobile devices and applications in clinical practice.

Among the 87 respondents, 48% (n = 42) used mobile technology in their clinical practice (smartphones: 29%; tablets: 29%; smartwatches: 6%). The most frequent ways of using mobile technology were by clinicians for the assessment of their clients (81% of users) and for the demonstration of intervention strategies (40%). Among non-users, the most common reasons were a lack of access to mobile devices and applications – by clients and clinicians themselves (33%) and a lack of knowledge about useful applications (31%). The main reported advantages of using mobile technology include its portability (71% of respondents), multifunctionality (67%), the integration of audio and visual reminders (53%), the standardization of measurement (48%), and the fact that it is a normalizing compensatory strategy (47%). The main disadvantages include the amount of time required to learn how to use devices and applications (64%), the lack of French versions of applications (55%), the constant need of maintenance and update (50%), and confidentiality or security concerns (43%). While 79% of respondents reported that their practice setting did not offer any support on the use of mobile technology, they identified to main solutions to facilitation the integration of digital tools in their daily practice: having access to a directory of reviewed applications (87%) and participating in a community of practice (70%).

Results show that about half of clinical neuropsychologists and trainees who responded to this online survey use mobile devices and applications in their routine practice. However, there is a need to be better equipped and supported for optimal use and tailored recommendations to clients. Future initiatives should build on these results to make information about mobile technology more readily available and shareable to neuropsychologists.