Toward a global standard for labeling neuropsychological test scores? Lessons learned from the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders).

Abstract

In 2020, the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) published consensus labels for the uniform description of normally distributed test results in the field of clinical neuropsychology. These consensus labels were developed in a North American context, but other countries have also struggled with the challenges of harmonizing verbal descriptive labels in neuropsychological reports. A recent effort in Norway has demonstrated that literal translations of the AACN labels do not always work in a different language and culture. Also, verbal labels may not be unequivocally understandable for patients, their significant others, and other healthcare professionals who refer patients for neuropsychological services. In this Commentary, we illustrate the process of coming to uniform descriptions for normally distributed test results for the Dutch language, spoken primarily in the Netherlands, the Flanders part of Belgium, the Dutch Caribbean, and Suriname. We also highlight the hurdles that need to be overcome to establish a global consensus.