Development and application of neuropsychology in Hong Kong: implications of its value and future advancement.
OBJECTIVE
To review the development, application, and value of neuropsychology, and the standard education and training pathway for neuropsychologists or clinical neuropsychologists in Hong Kong.


METHODS
The information provided here was gathered via a literature review of the status of neuropsychology and the validity of commonly adopted neuropsychological tests in Hong Kong. Additional details were acquired via the internet about local tertiary education curricula and the related requirements, the availability of professional associations for licensure or board certification, and relevant statistics/surveys conducted by the government. Some information about the clinical practice of neuropsychology was collected through personal communication with local clinical psychologists.


RESULTS
The development of neuropsychology in Hong Kong over the past 20 years is rapid and productive, given the increasing application of advanced neuroimaging techniques, neuropsychological tests, and opportunities for exchanging up-to-date neuropsychological knowledge and professional training through international conferences, workshops, and seminars. Given that neuropsychology services are often provided by clinical psychologists who are master's degree graduates in clinical psychology, the relatively limited training in neuropsychological knowledge and skills and the lack of division for membership or mandatory registration as a neuropsychologist/clinical neuropsychologist may have an impact on the quality of clinical neuropsychological services and the development of this specialty.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings signify a need for further improvement or refinement of educational and training pathways for neuropsychologist or clinical neuropsychologist along with the recognition of its value in clinical practice through registration of different disciplines of psychology in Hong Kong.
a Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong SAR, China.|b Chanwuyi Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong SAR, China.
Agnes S
AS
Chan
a Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong SAR, China.|b Chanwuyi Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong SAR, China.
Sophia L
SL
Sze
c Department of Social Work , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong SAR, China.
Mei-Chun
MC
Cheung
d Department of Rehabilitation Sciences , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Kowloon , Hong Kong SAR, China.
Yvonne M Y
YM
Han
D002568:Certification / Q000639:trends; D003142:Communication; D005544:Forecasting; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000592:standards; D009484:Neuropsychology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends*; D011586:Psychology, Clinical / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Hong Kong; Neuropsychology; clinical neuropsychology; education; training