Utilizing clinical assessment databases to enhance clinical training and research in neuropsychology: benefits, challenges, and practical strategies.

Research serves as the foundation of clinical neuropsychology, and strengthening research training pipelines is critical to sustaining innovation and scientific rigor within the field. Clinical assessment databases are one promising tool for achieving this goal. Herein, we describe the benefits and challenges of implementing clinical assessment databases across various neuropsychology training settings. First, we highlight their benefits, including the promotion of a standardized approach to clinical training, improvements in patient care, and increased opportunities for research. Next, we describe how clinical databases can be implemented across various training settings, including university-affiliated psychology training clinics, academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and private practice settings. The potential roles of faculty, trainees, and administrative staff in supporting database development and use are discussed. Lastly, we address practical strategies for overcoming implementation challenges, such as balancing both clinical and research demands, obtaining institutional review board approval, selecting appropriate data storage platforms, and ensuring data quality and consistency. Specific recommendations regarding platform storage are provided along with cost considerations. By integrating clinical assessment databases, neuropsychology training clinics can enhance their ability to provide evidence-based clinical training, deliver high quality care, and enhance research training. Although implementing clinical databases presents technical, logistical, and ethical challenges, these can be managed with careful planning.