Neuropsychology & Health

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Choose, use and interpret a broad range of neuropsychological assessment tools and make recommendations for service users, family and/or professionals (BPS 2.5.2).
• Adapt your clinical practice to consider equality, diversity and inclusion as well as characteristics of specific clinical populations informed by the evidence-base (BPS 2.1.3, 2.4.1, 2.2.5)
• Apply knowledge and psychological theory relating to neuropsychological/physical health conditions when working with service users (BPS 2.5.2)
• Reflect on the professional and ethical issues working with these clinical populations and critically evaluate the evidence-base.

The curriculum for this module will comprise the following:

• Basic clinical neuroanatomy
• Psychometrics and neuropsychological assessment
• An introduction to neuropsychological functions (e.g. memory, attention, language)
• The presentation of common neurological (e.g. stroke, TBI, dementia) and physical health (e.g. spinal cord injury, oncology) conditions
• Psychological models of adjustment to long-term health conditions
• Neurorehabilitation; including consideration of the emotional impact of neuropsychological deficits.
• Adaptations to assessment and interventions for people with cognitive impairments and physical health conditions.

The syllabus will address various aspects of the British Psychological Society (2019) Standards for the accreditation of Doctoral programmes in Clinical Psychology. Specifically:

2.1.3.1 Generalisable Meta-Competencies (e.g. drawing on psychological knowledge of developmental, social and neuropsychological processes across the lifespan to facilitate adaptability and change).

2.1.3.2 Psychological Assessment (e.g. to understand key psychometric theory and choose, use and interpret a range of psychometric measures).

2.1.3.4 Psychological Intervention (e.g. therapeutic techniques and processes applied to a range of individuals such as those with cognitive and neurological presentations as well as working with others such as carers and staff).

2.1.3.5 Evaluation (e.g. Evaluating practice through monitoring processes and outcomes such as behaviour change and using standardised psychometric instruments).

2.1.3.7 Personal and Professional Skills and Values (e.g. understanding of ethical issues and applying these in complex clinical contexts)

2.1.3.8 Communication and Teaching (e.g. adapting styles of communication to people with a wide range of levels of cognitive ability, sensory acuity and modes of communication).

2.2.5.3 Knowledge and theories related to the psychological needs and problems of a range of client groups across the lifespan (e.g. physical health presentations and issues relating to adjustment, presentations of older adulthood, neurological presentations).

2.5.2 Test Competencies (e.g. applying skills specific to neuropsychology in line with relevant professional competency frameworks such as from the Division of Neuropsychology)

This syllabus was also informed by the Division of Neuropsychology (2012) Competency Framework and in collaboration with NHS clinical psychologists/neuropsychologists to ensure the module reflects current clinical practice.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will include lectures, workshops and practical exercises. This may involve a blended learning approach of in-person and online teaching. A key part of this module will be development of competence in administering and interpreting a neuropsychological assessment. Service users and carers are also regularly involved in teaching.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Clinical Neuropsychology: A practical guide to assessment and management for clinicians.

Nadina b, Lincoln, Ian I. Kneebone, Jamie A.B. Macniven, Reg C. Morris (2011). Psychological management of stroke.

Wilson, B., Winegardner, J., Van Heugten, C. & Ownsworth, T (2017). Neuropsychological Rehabilitation: The International Handbook.

Schoenberberg, M. & Scott, J. (2011). The Little Black Book of Neuropsychology.

Muriel Lezak, Diane B. Howieson, Erin D, Bigler and Daniel Tranel (2012). Neuropsychological Assessment.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Placement

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Supervisor completed competency observation form with feedback.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.