Systematic Review: A Prevention-Based Model of Neuropsychological Assessment for Children With Medical Illness

OBJECTIVE: Many pediatric chronic illnesses have shown increased survival rates, leading to greater focus on cognitive and psychosocial issues. Neuropsychological services have traditionally been provided only after significant changes in the child’s cognitive or adaptive functioning have occurred. This model of care is at odds with preventative health practice, including early identification and intervention of neuropsychological changes related to medical illness. We propose a tiered model of neuropsychological evaluation aiming to provide a preventative, risk-adapted level of assessment service to individuals with medical conditions impacting the central nervous system based on public health and clinical decision-making care models. METHODS: Elements of the proposed model have been used successfully in various pediatric medical populations. We summarize these studies in association with the proposed evaluative tiers in our model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This model serves to inform interventions through the various levels of assessment, driven by evidence of need at the individual level in real time.