H - 62 Current State of the Practice of Clinical Neuropsychology in Bolivia.

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the current state of the practice of clinical neuropsychology in Bolivia. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 72 professionals working in the field of neuropsychology in Bolivia. The information was collected through an online questionnaire that included 70 questions about the participants' professional training, professional practice, research, teaching, and perceived barriers to the profession's development, among other factors. Approximately 76% of participants reported receiving postgraduate neuropsychology training. Their training was rated as very good (34.8%) and good (23.9%). Conversely, their clinical supervision was rated very good (24.3%) and good (33.3%). The participants indicated that their professional practice is conducted mainly in private settings (72.2%). Also, they mentioned that the most assessed disorders were learning disabilities (93.5%), intellectual disabilities (90%), and ADHD (87.5%). Similarly, the more frequent conditions rehabilitated were learning disabilities (23.6%), ADHD (20%), and depression (20.85%). Only 41.5% of the participants reported conducting research. A smaller proportion of professionals (31.5%) taught neuropsychology courses. Neuropsychology is a relatively new field of work in Bolivia. For this reason, the participants considered that to enhance the quality of this specialty in Bolivia, new graduate programs in neuropsychology must be developed, more standardized tests validated, and more job positions created, especially in public institutions. Additionally, a professional organization that regulates the standards of this field needs to be established.