HeadMinder - Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about HeadMinder's illness- or injury-specific protocols, please click one of the following links: (CSI, WCS, CRI)

Who may purchase HeadMinder tests?
To purchase a HeadMinder test, you must have appropriate education, training, and experience in the relevant area and provide verification of appropriate licensure or accreditation by your state and/or authorization by an employer, such as a hospital, research laboratory, school, or government agency.

What are the tests like?
Each HeadMinder test consists of a set of computerized subtests that require simple patient responses on a standard keyboard and measure aspects of cognition typically associated with a brain dysfunction, such as reaction time, concentration and working memory, information processing speed and accuracy, and short-term and long-term memory. Tests may also include questionnaires tailored for each presenting problem.

By combining the subtest modules in specific arrangements, HeadMinder can create customized test batteries to meet pharmaceutical or other research needs and develop new protocols to test for specific central nervous system conditions.

How does the HeadMinder system work?
As a registered provider, you will be given a Login ID and secure password, which give you access to your personal HeadMinder Administration pages. From these pages, you can:

Your administration pages maintain a complete clinical record for each of your test takers. Using your secure password, you may access these pages at any time from any Internet-connected computer.

Can the tests be given to test takers who are not familiar with computers?
Yes. All tests were designed to minimize the need for computer experience/familiarity. Typing skills are not required. Most responses to neurocognitive subtests are recorded using the spacebar or number keys. Administrators may assist test takers in completing the online questionnaires without compromising the neurocognitive test results. In addition, some of our subtests are normed for subjects with little or no computer experience.

What if a test taker's first language is not English?
Most neurocognitive subtests are nonverbal, and online test instructions can be made available in a number of languages.

What type of computer do I need? Do the tests require special software or hardware?
HeadMinder tests will work on any PC that is connected to the Internet. There is no special software or hardware to buy or install. All tests are administered in real time via the Internet. Responses to neurocognitive subtests are recorded using a standard keyboard and mouse. You will need an up-to-date version of Microsoft® Internet Explorer and Adobe® Flash® player. If your computer does not have these, a notice on the login page will alert you and direct you to a site where you can download them for free.

What if I work at more than one location, or at more than one computer?
As long as you have an account with us, you may administer tests or access records with your secure password from any computer with an Internet connection.

Not all Internet connections are the same. Will that affect response time reliability?
No. We measure response time before it is transmitted via the Internet. The speed of your connection does not affect the accuracy of the measurement.

How long does it take to get test results?
Test results are available instantly.

Who has access to test records?
HeadMinder does not provide test takers with direct access to test results, because all HeadMinder tests must be interpreted by a provider with appropriate education, training, and experience in the relevant area of assessment.

As a registered provider with a secure password, you will have access to the test results of the test takers under your care. Further access to test results can be customized to match the records management policies of your organization.

For more information, see the Test Taker Privacy Policy.

What about security? What about privacy?
HeadMinder is committed to maintaining the privacy of every test taker. Data is encrypted (Thawte®) using Secure Sockets Layering (SSL) technology and stored securely in servers with state-of-the art firewalls. The system has been designed so that test takers view a web screen that explains privacy before they supply any individually identifiable health information or begin a test. HeadMinder does not release individually identifiable health information to third parties without written permission from the test taker.

For more information, see the Test Taker Privacy Policy.

How are HeadMinder tests similar to other neurocognitive tests?
We have taken care to build our assessment tools in accordance with professional standards regarding test development and revision, validity, reliability and errors of measurement, norms and score comparability, test administration, scoring, reporting, and documentation. Like all professional neurocognitive tests, our assessment tools are not available to the general public.

How are HeadMinder tests different from other neurocognitive tests?
Our tests combine online assessment and wireless technology with comprehensive reporting and records management. We employ multiple alternate forms for increased reliability when used longitudinally, and our system keeps track of which forms have already been administered, regardless of where the test taker is taking a followup test. Each test taker's cognitive test scores are directly compared to his/her previous test scores, allowing for greater accuracy in determining significant change over time. Specialized statistics control for practice effects and reduce other sources of error.

Do the tests provide diagnoses?
No. Our tests are assessment tools designed for use by professionals with the education, training, and experience to interpret them. The professional must never use HeadMinder tests as the sole basis for making a diagnosis. Interpretation of test reports is the responsibility of the professional. HeadMinder is in no manner a party to the "patient-provider" relationship.

What types of support materials are available?
Each test has a Professional Manual, which includes test specifications, reliability and validity evidence, normative data, scoring procedures, and guidelines for interpretation of test scores. Also available is an Administrator's Manual, which includes step-by-step instructions on how to administer the test. Additional support materials include Technical Specifications and Frequently Asked Technical Support Questions.

Using your secure password, you may access the support documents at any time from your online administration pages. Documents may also be printed out for your records.

Adobe and Flash are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Thawte is a registered trademark of Thawte in the United States and/or other countries.