Video-interpreting for cognitive assessments: An intervention study and micro-costing analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Cognitive screening assessments are reliable in English-speaking older adults via video technology.
• Reliability and cost-effectiveness in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older populations using interpreters remain under-explored.
• The Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) are commonly used cognitive and mood assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the reliability of administering the RUDAS and GDS via video-interpreting compared to face-to-face interpreting in CALD older adults.
• To compare the costs associated with video-interpreting versus face-to-face interpreting for these assessments.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study analyzing RUDAS and GDS scores obtained through face-to-face and video-interpreting methods.
• Statistical analysis using paired t-tests and Bland-Altman plots to assess score similarity.
• A micro-costing analysis to compare the financial expenditures of both interpreting modalities, extrapolated nationally.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in mean RUDAS and GDS scores between video-interpreting and face-to-face administration.
• Bland-Altman analysis indicated substantial agreement, with 71% of RUDAS and 82% of GDS scores within acceptable limits.
• Video-interpreting demonstrated a cost saving of A$7 per assessment, projecting a national saving of A$247,350.

Conclusions:

• Video-interpreting is a reliable alternative to face-to-face interpreting for RUDAS and GDS assessments in CALD older populations.
• Implementing video-interpreting for these cognitive assessments offers a more cost-effective solution for healthcare systems.