Understanding the current state of neuropsychological training and clinical practices with Asian American patient populations.

Abstract

Objective: Asian American populations in the United States account for the fastest growing ethnic group. This diversity illuminates the challenges of addressing culturally sensitive clinical care and need for comprehensive training. The present study aimed to examine the extent of neuropsychologists' training, considerations, and current practices with Asian American patient populations and identify important advocacy areas. Method: Neuropsychologists (n = 143, 83.2% female, mean age = 44.05) completed a survey containing questions about demographic information, professional work and training, and current practices with Asian American populations. The authors calculated frequencies for demographics, training, and practices. Nonparametric Friedman's analysis of variance and post hoc tests identified patterns of ranked responses for current practices. The authors conducted a thematic analysis for open-ended questions about barriers to providing culturally sensitive neuropsychological training and services. Results: Nearly half (46%) of respondents received cultural sensitivity training in four or more settings, mainly in clinical contexts (90.2%). Over 88% received "little" to no training on Asian Americans specifically, yet nearly half had worked with this population in the "past few weeks." Steps to selecting norms and evaluating for English proficiency often differed from established recommendations. Respondents identified resource inaccessibility, inconsistent use and lack of normative data, and interpreter use as barriers to providing culturally sensitive services. Most (68%) desired increased and improved training quality with Asian Americans. Conclusion: Findings indicate an urgent need for increased accessibility and consensus in guidelines and recommendations for improving neuropsychological training and practices with Asian minorities.