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Tierney AA, Mosqueda M, Cesena G, Frehn JL, Payán DD, Rodriguez HP. Telemedicine Implementation for Safety Net Populations: A Systematic Review. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:622-641. [PMID: 37707997 PMCID: PMC10924064 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine systems were rapidly implemented in response to COVID-19. However, little is known about their effectiveness, acceptability, and sustainability for safety net populations. This study systematically reviewed primary care telemedicine implementation and effectiveness in safety net settings. Methods: We searched PubMed for peer-reviewed articles on telemedicine implementation from 2013 to 2021. The search was done between June and December 2021. Included articles focused on health care organizations that primarily serve low-income and/or rural populations in the United States. We screened 244 articles from an initial search of 343 articles and extracted and analyzed data from N = 45 articles. Results: Nine (20%) of 45 articles were randomized controlled trials. N = 22 reported findings for at least one marginalized group (i.e., racial/ethnic minority, 65 years+, limited English proficiency). Only n = 19 (42%) included African American/Black patients in demographics descriptions, n = 14 (31%) LatinX/Hispanic patients, n = 4 (9%) Asian patients, n = 4 (9%) patients aged 65+ years, and n = 4 (9%) patients with limited English proficiency. Results show telemedicine can provide high-quality primary care that is more accessible and affordable. Fifteen studies assessed barriers and facilitators to telemedicine implementation. Common barriers were billing/administrative workflow disruption (n = 9, 20%), broadband access/quality (n = 5, 11%), and patient preference for in-person care (n = 4, 9%). Facilitators included efficiency gains (n = 6, 13%), patient acceptance (n = 3, 7%), and enhanced access (n = 3, 7%). Conclusions: Telemedicine is an acceptable care modality to deliver primary care in safety net settings. Future studies should compare telemedicine and in-person care quality and test strategies to improve telemedicine implementation in safety net settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A. Tierney
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Mariana Mosqueda
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Gabriel Cesena
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Frehn
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Denise D. Payán
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Hector P. Rodriguez
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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2
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Berardi C, Antonini M, Jordan Z, Wechtler H, Paolucci F, Hinwood M. Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental health systems: a qualitative systematic review to inform a policy framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:243. [PMID: 38408938 PMCID: PMC10898174 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10536-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the potential for improved population mental health and wellbeing, the integration of mental health digital interventions has been difficult to achieve. In this qualitative systematic review, we aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental healthcare systems, and map these to an implementation framework to inform policy development. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for primary research articles published between January 2010 and 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they reported barriers and/or facilitators to the integration of any digital mental healthcare technologies. Data were extracted using EPPI-Reviewer Web and analysed thematically via inductive and deductive cycles. RESULTS Of 12,525 references identified initially, 81 studies were included in the final analysis. Barriers and facilitators were grouped within an implementation (evidence-practice gap) framework across six domains, organised by four levels of mental healthcare systems. Broadly, implementation was hindered by the perception of digital technologies as impersonal tools that add additional burden of care onto both providers and patients, and change relational power asymmetries; an absence of resources; and regulatory complexities that impede access to universal coverage. Facilitators included person-cantered approaches that consider patients' intersectional features e.g., gender, class, disability, illness severity; evidence-based training for providers; collaboration among colleagues; appropriate investment in human and financial resources; and policy reforms that tackle universal access to digital health. CONCLUSION It is important to consider the complex and interrelated nature of barriers across different domains and levels of the mental health system. To facilitate the equitable, sustainable, and long-term digital transition of mental health systems, policymakers should consider a systemic approach to collaboration between public and private sectors to inform evidence-based planning and strengthen mental health systems. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The protocol is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42021276838.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Berardi
- Newcastle Business School, The University of Newcastle, Hunter St & Auckland St, 2300, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Marcello Antonini
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
| | - Zephanie Jordan
- Newcastle Business School, The University of Newcastle, Hunter St & Auckland St, 2300, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Heidi Wechtler
- Newcastle Business School, The University of Newcastle, Hunter St & Auckland St, 2300, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Francesco Paolucci
- Newcastle Business School, The University of Newcastle, Hunter St & Auckland St, 2300, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Madeleine Hinwood
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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3
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Wray TB, Kemp JJ, Adams Larsen M. Virtual reality (VR) treatments for anxiety disorders are unambiguously successful, so why are so few therapists using it? Barriers to adoption and potential solutions. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:603-624. [PMID: 37376984 PMCID: PMC10592498 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2229017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a significant cause of disability globally, yet only one in ten sufferers receives adequate quality treatment. Exposure-based therapies are effective in reducing symptoms associated with a number of anxiety disorders. However, few therapists use exposure techniques to treat these conditions, even when they are adequately trained in them, often because of concerns about provoking distress, drop out, logistical barriers, and other concerns. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) can address many of these concerns, and a large body of research decisively shows that VRET is as efficacious for treating these conditions as in vivo exposures. Yet, use of VRET remains low. In this article, we discuss several factors we believe are contributing to low VRET adoption among therapists and raise potential solutions to address them. We consider steps that VR experience developers and researchers might take, such as leading studies of VRET's real-world effectiveness and treatment optimization trials and continuing to improve the fit of platforms with clinicians' workflows. We also discuss steps to address therapist reservations using aligned implementation strategies, as well as barriers for clinics, and the roles that professional organizations and payers could have in improving care by encouraging adoption of VRET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Wray
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Joshua J. Kemp
- Pediatric Anxiety Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
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4
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Petersén E, Augustsson H, Berman AH. Problematic substance use among patients in a Swedish outpatient psychiatry setting: staff and manager perceptions of digital options for increased intervention access. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:65. [PMID: 37875999 PMCID: PMC10594773 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 50% of the patients who globally seek help in psychiatry have been assessed with problematic substance use or been diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Given the high treatment gap for mental health care, in particular SUD, these individuals risk poorer treatment outcomes in psychiatry. Integrated treatment for psychiatric and SUD disorders has been proposed to reduce the treatment gap for SUD, but access to integrated treatment is low. Digital interventions addressing SUD in psychiatry could potentially make treatment available to patients who otherwise would not have access. In this study "digital interventions" comprise an umbrella term covering all kinds of interventions from minimal motivational app-based interventions to internet-based interventions with and without human guidance, up to remote sessions in telepsychiatry. This study aims to explore healthcare staff perceptions of referring patients to digital interventions for reducing problematic substance use, whether or not diagnosed as SUD, in the psychiatric outpatient setting. METHOD The study was exploratory with a qualitative design. Data were collected in the Swedish outpatient psychiatry setting, via individual semi-structured interviews with managers, and focus groups with healthcare staff. An adapted form of phenomenological hermeneutical analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Three themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme was Encountering obstacles on the path to future implementation of digital interventions, with sub-themes: Lacking resources and Feeling concerned about technical solutions. The second theme was Searching for ways forward to achieve increased access to care, with sub-themes: Blended care could facilitate integrated care and Addressing variations in patients' technical skills. The third theme was Taking steps towards the future, with sub-themes: Wanting to know more about digital interventions and Formulating a vision for the future. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals a concern that implementing digital interventions in psychiatry will create additional work or be technically challenging. The staff see significant advantages from the patient perspective, but they feel that they themselves need training in implementing digital interventions. In order to establish constructive implementation of digital interventions for SUD in psychiatry, staff attitudes and concerns need to be considered and addressed. This study was conducted within the Swedish healthcare system and the findings may not generalize to other countries with differing healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Petersén
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hanna Augustsson
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne H Berman
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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5
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Wilcock AD, Huskamp HA, Busch AB, Normand SLT, Uscher-Pines L, Raja PV, Zubizarreta JR, Barnett ML, Mehrotra A. Use of Telemedicine and Quality of Care Among Medicare Enrollees With Serious Mental Illness. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e233648. [PMID: 37889483 PMCID: PMC10611994 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large fraction of mental health care was provided via telemedicine. The implications of this shift in care for use of mental health service and quality of care have not been characterized. Objective To compare changes in care patterns and quality during the first year of the pandemic among Medicare beneficiaries with serious mental illness (schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder) cared for at practices with higher vs lower telemedicine use. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study, Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder were attributed to specialty mental health practices that delivered the majority of their mental health care in 2019. Practices were categorized into 3 groups based on the proportion of telemental health visits provided during the first year of the pandemic (March 2020-February 2021): lowest use (0%-49%), middle use (50%-89%), or highest use (90%-100%). Across the 3 groups of practices, differential changes in patient outcomes were calculated from the year before the pandemic started to the year after. These changes were also compared with differential changes from a 2-year prepandemic period. Analyses were conducted in November 2022. Exposure Practice-level use of telemedicine during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the total number of mental health visits (telemedicine plus in-person) per person. Secondary outcomes included the number of acute hospital and emergency department encounters, all-cause mortality, and quality outcomes, including adherence to antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medications (as measured by the number of months of medication fills) and 7- and 30-day outpatient follow-up rates after discharge for a mental health hospitalization. Results The pandemic cohort included 120 050 Medicare beneficiaries (mean [SD] age, 56.5 [14.5] years; 66 638 females [55.5%]) with serious mental illness. Compared with prepandemic changes and relative to patients receiving care at practices with the lowest telemedicine use: patients receiving care at practices in the middle and highest telemedicine use groups had 1.11 (95% CI, 0.45-1.76) and 1.94 (95% CI, 1.28-2.59) more mental health visits per patient per year (or 7.5% [95% CI, 3.0%-11.9%] and 13.0% [95% CI, 8.6%-17.4%] more mental health visits per year, respectively). Among patients of practices with middle and highest telemedicine use, changes in adherence to antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medications were -0.4% (95% CI, -1.3% to 0.5%) and -0.1% (95% CI, -1.0% to 0.8%), and hospital and emergency department use for any reason changed by 2.4% (95% CI, -1.5% to 6.2%) and 2.8% (95% CI, -1.2% to 6.8%), respectively. There were no significant differential changes in postdischarge follow-up or mortality rates according to the level of telemedicine use. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries with serious mental illness, patients receiving care from practices that had a higher level of telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic had more mental health visits per year compared with prepandemic levels, with no differential changes in other observed quality metrics over the same period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Wilcock
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Haiden A. Huskamp
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alisa B. Busch
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Sharon-Lise T. Normand
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Pushpa V. Raja
- Department of Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jose R. Zubizarreta
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L. Barnett
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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6
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Isaacs A, Mitchell EKL, Sutton K, Naughton M, Hine R, Bullock S, Azar D, Maybery D. Clinicians' and Users' Views and Experiences of a Tele-Mental Health Service Implemented Alongside the Public Mental Health System during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105870. [PMID: 37239597 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A tele-mental health model called Head to Health was implemented in the state of Victoria, Australia to address the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a free centralized intake service that adopted a targeted approach with several novel elements, such as stepped care and telehealth. This study examines the views and experiences of clinicians and service users of the tele-mental health service in the Gippsland region of Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from clinicians were obtained via an online 10-item open-ended survey instrument and from service users through semi-structured interviews. Data were obtained from 66 participants, including 47 clinician surveys and 19 service user interviews. Six categories emerged from the data. They were: 'Conditions where use of tele-mental health is appropriate', 'Conditions where tele-mental health may not be useful', 'Advantages of tele-mental health', 'Challenges in using tele-mental health', 'Client outcomes with tele-mental health', and 'Recommendations for future use'. This is one of a few studies where clinicians' and service users' views and experiences have been explored together to provide a nuanced understanding of perspectives on the efficacy of tele-mental health when it was implemented alongside public mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Isaacs
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC 3820, Australia
| | | | - Keith Sutton
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC 3820, Australia
| | - Michael Naughton
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC 3820, Australia
| | - Rochelle Hine
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC 3820, Australia
| | - Shane Bullock
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC 3820, Australia
| | - Denise Azar
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC 3820, Australia
- Gippsland Primary Health Network, Traralgon, VIC 3844, Australia
| | - Darryl Maybery
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC 3820, Australia
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7
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Nelson D, Inghels M, Kenny A, Skinner S, McCranor T, Wyatt S, Phull J, Nanyonjo A, Yusuff O, Gussy M. Mental health professionals and telehealth in a rural setting: a cross sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:200. [PMID: 36849933 PMCID: PMC9970689 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09083-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth usage has been promoted in all settings but has been identified as a panacea to issues of access and equity in the rural context. However, uptake and widespread integration of telehealth across all parts of the health system has been slow, with a myriad of barriers documented, including in rural settings. The crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw barriers rapidly overturned with the unprecedented and exponential rise in telehealth usage. The uniqueness of the crisis forced telehealth adoption, but as the urgency stabilises, pandemic learnings must be captured, utilised, and built upon in a post-pandemic world. The aim of this study was to document staff experiences and perceptions of delivering rural psychological therapies via telehealth during the pandemic and to capture learnings for future rural telehealth delivery. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey that explored mental health professional's experiences, use, and perceptions of telehealth before and after pandemic-enforced changes to service delivery. RESULTS Sixty-two respondents completed the questionnaire (response rate 68%). Both the delivery of telehealth via telephone and online video conferencing significantly increased during the pandemic (66% vs 98%, p < .001 for telephone and 10% vs 89%, p < 0.001 for online video). Respondents indicated that client's access to services and attendance had improved with telehealth use but their attention and focus during sessions and non-verbal communication had been negatively affected. The challenges for older adults, people with learning and sensory disabilities, and residents in remote areas with poorer mobile/internet connectivity were identified. Despite these challenges, none of the respondents indicated a preference to return to fully face-to-face service delivery with most (86%) preferring to deliver psychological therapies fully or mostly via telehealth. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses three major gaps in knowledge: the experience of delivering local telehealth solutions to address rural mental health needs, the provision of strong rural-specific telehealth recommendations, and the dearth of rural research emanating from the United Kingdom. As the world settles into a living with COVID-19 era, the uniqueness of the rural telehealth context may be forgotten as urban myopia continues to dominate telehealth policy and uptake. It is critical that rural resourcing and digital connectivity are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Maxime Inghels
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK ,grid.4399.70000000122879528Centre Population et Développement (UMR 196 Paris Descartes – IRD), SageSud (ERL INSERM 1244), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Amanda Kenny
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK ,grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Steve Skinner
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Tracy McCranor
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Stephen Wyatt
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Jaspreet Phull
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Agnes Nanyonjo
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ojali Yusuff
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK ,grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK ,grid.464673.40000 0004 0469 8549Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK. .,La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia.
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Cole MB, Lee EK, Davoust M, Carey K, Kim JH. Comparison of Visit Rates Before vs After Telehealth Expansion Among Patients With Mental Health Diagnoses Treated at Federally Qualified Health Centers. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2242059. [PMID: 36378314 PMCID: PMC9667322 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.42059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This cohort study assesses visit rates before and after telehealth expansion to assess whether telehealth availability at federally qualified health centers is associated with visit rates for patients with mental health diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan B. Cole
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eun Kyung Lee
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa Davoust
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathleen Carey
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - June-Ho Kim
- Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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9
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Chen PV, Helm A, Caloudas SG, Ecker A, Day G, Hogan J, Lindsay J. Evidence of Phone vs Video-Conferencing for Mental Health Treatments: A Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:529-539. [PMID: 36053400 PMCID: PMC9437398 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to provide a comparative review of using phone (audio-only) or video for mental health treatments. Our review includes evidence of phone and video's effectiveness in terms of reduced symptomology, retention, satisfaction, therapeutic alliance, and other outcomes of interest. This review also discusses how patients and providers' experiences and attitudes differ between these two modalities. Finally, we present information on different usage rates of phone and video across patient populations and mental health provider types, and different implementation strategies. RECENT FINDINGS Treatments through phone and video are both able to reduce symptoms related to mental health conditions and have both been found to be non-inferior to in-person care. Both phone and video are more convenient to patients. Video offers important visual information that can be important to diagnosing mental health conditions. Phone, however, is more broadly accessible and may come with fewer technological issues. In the context of mental health care, where non-verbal cues are tied to symptomology and diagnosing, and a strong relationship between patient and provider can enhance treatment, we encourage the use of video, especially for psychotherapeutic services. However, as phone is more accessible, we ultimately recommend an accommodating approach, one that flexibly makes use of both phone and video. Future studies on telehealth should focus on direct, head-to-head comparisons between phone and video and conduct more rigorous testing on whether clinical differences exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Chen
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Margaret M. and Albert B Alkek Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ashley Helm
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steve G Caloudas
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony Ecker
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giselle Day
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julianna Hogan
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jan Lindsay
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
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10
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The Good, The Bad, The Uncertain: Diverse Provider Experiences with Telemental Health During COVID-19. Psychiatr Q 2022; 93:753-774. [PMID: 35689752 PMCID: PMC9187881 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-022-09990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed mental health provider attitudes and perceptions of telemental health (TMH) prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The study expands on earlier work by providing a more detailed qualitative analysis of provider perceptions of TMH, including its efficacy, advantages, and limitations. The current study is part of a larger mixed methods project utilizing a repeated cross-sectional design. An online survey was administered to a sample of 1,448 mental health providers. Of the survey participants, 934 offered narrative responses to open-ended questions and were included in the present study. Qualitative data was analyzed using a coding team and the Consensual Qualitative Research paradigm. Providers described both positive and negative feelings about using TMH during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Several advantages were identified, with providers clearly appreciating the role of TMH in allowing them to work continuously and safely during the public health emergency. An array of negative views and concerns were also expressed, including that TMH may not be optimal or effective in certain settings or situations. A portion of respondents also indicated a preference for face-to-face care and illuminated ways they found TMH lacking or limited.
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11
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Randall LA, Raisin C, Waters F, Williams C, Shymko G, Davis D. Implementing telepsychiatry in an early psychosis service during COVID-19: Experiences of young people and clinicians and changes in service utilization. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022; 17:470-477. [PMID: 35943177 PMCID: PMC9538557 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our early psychosis program rapidly transitioned to telepsychiatry. This study examined the change in health service utilization and experiences of young people and clinicians in response to the implementation of telepsychiatry. METHODS Mixed methodology and triangulation of evidence drawn from health service databases and survey data. Using a retrospective observational design, health service data from pre- (Time 1) and post-(Time 2) telepsychiatry periods were compared. Surveys were also conducted with representation from clinicians and young people. RESULTS The number of appointments increased between Time 1 and 2, although this was accompanied by a near-doubling in missed appointments (8% to 13%). Young people had mixed views about telepsychiatry. While convenience was a frequently cited benefit, clients reported technological issues, isolation and lack of human connection. A preference for face-to-face appointments was linked to younger age and anxiety when using telepsychiatry. Clinicians reported improved workplace satisfaction and efficiency but noted some limitations in the use of telepsychiatry including difficulty interviewing and managing unwell clients remotely and called for greater skill development. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of telepsychiatry in response to COVID-19 was associated with an increase in service activity; however, there was an increase missed appointments by young people. Although clinicians and clients reported positive experiences, telepsychiatry was not completely endorsed as a replacement for face-to-face interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh-Anne Randall
- Black Swan Health Ltd, Headspace Early Psychosis, Osborne Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cara Raisin
- Black Swan Health Ltd, Headspace Early Psychosis, Osborne Park, Western Australia, Australia.,Child & Youth Adolescent Mental Health Service (CYMHS), Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Flavie Waters
- Black Swan Health Ltd, Headspace Early Psychosis, Osborne Park, Western Australia, Australia.,Clinical Research Centre, North Metropolitan Mental Health Service, Graylands Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chelsey Williams
- Black Swan Health Ltd, Headspace Early Psychosis, Osborne Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gordon Shymko
- Black Swan Health Ltd, Headspace Early Psychosis, Osborne Park, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Deepak Davis
- Black Swan Health Ltd, Headspace Early Psychosis, Osborne Park, Western Australia, Australia.,Clinical Research Centre, North Metropolitan Mental Health Service, Graylands Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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12
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Eslami Jahromi M, Ahmadian L. Determining the effect of tele-rehabilitation on patients with stutter using the goal attainment scaling (GAS). BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2021; 21:280. [PMID: 34641856 PMCID: PMC8507245 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-021-01642-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of proper and timely patients' access to speech pathologists can affect the treatment and follow-up process; therefore, patients do not achieve the expected therapeutic goals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tele-rehabilitation on the stuttering patients using the goal attainment scaling (GAS). METHODS This interventional study was carried out on patients who visited the rehabilitation centers affiliated to the Jahrom Welfare Office. They underwent remote speech therapy using Skype. To evaluate the treatment outcomes of the stuttering patients, GAS was used. RESULTS The participants' speech and lingual skills improved using videoconferencing. The mean score of total GAS for patients was 53.08. Of 112 health goals, patients reached the expected or higher than expected levels in 78 goals. CONCLUSIONS Rehabilitation through video conferencing was effective for patients with stuttering, improved their speech, and decreased their stuttering. Since, application of remote rehabilitation services can provide regular access to healthcare services, it can lead to improving patient treatment provide more frequent and faster treatment follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Eslami Jahromi
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Ahmadian
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Haft-bagh Highway, PO Box: 7616913555, Kerman, Iran.
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13
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Howland M, Tennant M, Bowen DJ, Bauer AM, Fortney JC, Pyne JM, Shore J, Cerimele JM. Psychiatrist and Psychologist Experiences with Telehealth and Remote Collaborative Care in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study. J Rural Health 2021; 37:780-787. [PMID: 33022079 PMCID: PMC8518862 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Availability of mental health services is limited in the rural United States. Two promising models to reach patients with limited access to care are telehealth referral and collaborative care. The objective of this study was to assess telepsychiatrist- and telepsychologist-level facilitators and barriers to satisfaction with and implementation of these 2 telehealth models in rural settings. METHODS Focus groups were held in 2019 using a semistructured interview guide. Participants were off-site telepsychiatrists (N = 10) and telepsychologists (N = 4) for primary care clinics across 3 states (Washington, Michigan, and Arkansas) involved in a recent pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial. Qualitative analysis occurred inductively by 2 independent coders. FINDINGS Participants were satisfied with the models partly owing to good patient rapport and expanding access to care. Teamwork was highlighted as a facilitator in collaborative care and was often related to work with care managers. However, participants described communication with primary care providers as a challenge, especially in the telehealth referral arm. Barriers centered on variability of logistical processes (eg, symptom monitoring, scheduling, electronic medical record processes, and credentialing) among sites. Staff turnover, variable clinic investment, and inadequacy of training were possible explanations for these barriers. CONCLUSIONS Participants described high motivation to provide team-based, remote care for patients, though they experienced operational challenges. Centralized credentialing, scheduling, and record keeping are possible solutions. These findings are important because consulting psychiatrists and psychologists may play a leadership role in the dissemination of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Howland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashington
| | - McKenna Tennant
- Department of Public Health GeneticsUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWashington
| | - Deborah J. Bowen
- Department of Bioethics and HumanitiesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashington
| | - Amy M. Bauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashington
| | - John C. Fortney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashington
- Department of Veterans Affairs, HSR&D Center of Innovation for Veteran‐Centered and Value‐Driven CareVA Puget Sound Health Care SystemSeattleWashington
- Department of Health ServicesUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWashington
| | - Jeffrey M. Pyne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle RockArkansas
| | - Jay Shore
- Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Departments of Psychiatry and Family MedicineUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColorado
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public HealthUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColorado
| | - Joseph M. Cerimele
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashington
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14
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McDowell A, Huskamp HA, Busch AB, Mehrotra A, Rose S. Patterns of Mental Health Care Before Initiation of Telemental Health Services. Med Care 2021; 59:572-578. [PMID: 33797510 PMCID: PMC8265030 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of telemental health has increased among rural Medicare beneficiaries, particularly among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Little is known about what leads to the initiation of telemental health. OBJECTIVE To categorize the different patterns of mental health care use before initiation of telemental health services among individuals with SMI. METHODS A cohort of rural beneficiaries with SMI (defined as schizophrenia/related psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder) with an index telemental health visit in 2010-2017 was built using claims for a 20% random sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. The authors used latent class analysis to identify classes of mental health care use in the 6 months before the index telemental health visits. Across the classes, the authors also described characteristics of index and subsequent mental health visits. RESULTS The cohort included 4930 rural Medicare beneficiaries with SMI. Three classes of mental health care use before initiation of telemental health were identified. The largest class (n=3066) had minimal use of primary care provider mental health care and the second largest class (n=1537) had minimal specialty mental health care. The smallest class (n=327) was characterized by recent hospitalization or emergency department care. In the overall cohort, index visits were frequently established visits and were often with specialty prescribers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight 3 distinct patterns of care before telemental health initiation, providing insight into the role that telemedicine may play in mental health care for rural Medicare beneficiaries with SMI. Overall, telemental health was most often used to maintain care with existing providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex McDowell
- Mongan Institute Health Policy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Department of Medicine
| | - Haiden A Huskamp
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alisa B Busch
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sherri Rose
- Center for Health Policy and Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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15
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Shang Z, Arnaert A, Hindle Y, Debe Z, Côté-Leblanc G, Saadi A. Experiences of psychiatrists and support staff providing telemental health services to Indigenous peoples of Northern Quebec. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:85. [PMID: 33485327 PMCID: PMC7825224 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06072-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to regional, professional, and resource limitations, access to mental health care for Canada’s Indigenous peoples can be difficult. Telemental health (TMH) offers the opportunity to provide care across vast distances and has been proven to be as effective as face-to-face services. To our knowledge, there has been no qualitative study exploring the experiences of TMH staff serving the Indigenous peoples in Northern Quebec, Canada; which is the purpose of this study. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design, the entire staff of a TMH clinic was recruited, comprising of four psychiatrists and four support staff. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted through videoconferencing, and results were thematically analyzed. Results To address the mental health gap in Northern communities, all psychiatrists believe in the necessity of in-person care and note the synergistic effect of combining in-person care and TMH services. This approach to care allows psychiatrists to maintain both an insider and outsider identity. However, if a patient’s condition requires hospitalization, then the TMH staff face a new set of information sharing and communication challenges with the inpatient staff. TMH staff believe that the provision of culturally sensitive care to Northern patients at the inpatient unit is progressing; however, more work needs to be done. Despite the strong collegial atmosphere within the clinic and collective efforts to provide quality TMH services, all participants express a sense of frustration with the paper-based and scattered documentation system. Conclusion The TMH team works in cohesion to offer TMH services to Indigenous peoples; yet, automatization is needed to improve the workflow efficiency within the clinic and collaboration with the Northern clinics. More research is needed on the functioning of TMH teams and the separate but important roles of each team member. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06072-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhida Shang
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Antonia Arnaert
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yvonne Hindle
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Ouest-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Zoumanan Debe
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Ouest-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Côté-Leblanc
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Ouest-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Amine Saadi
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Ouest-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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16
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Talley RM, Brunette MF, Adler DA, Dixon LB, Berlant J, Erlich MD, Goldman B, First MB, Koh S, Oslin DW, Siris SG. Telehealth and the Community SMI Population: Reflections on the Disrupter Experience of COVID-19. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:49-53. [PMID: 33003053 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus pandemic and the resulting expanded use of telemedicine have temporarily transformed community-based care for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), challenging traditional treatment paradigms. We review the rapid regulatory and practice shifts that facilitated broad use of telemedicine, the literature on the use of telehealth and telemedicine for individuals with SMI supporting the feasibility/acceptability of mobile interventions, and the more limited evidence-based telemedicine practices for this population. We provide anecdotal reflections on the opportunities and challenges for telemedicine drawn from our daily experiences providing services and overseeing systems for this population during the pandemic. We conclude by proposing that a continued, more prominent role for telemedicine in the care of individuals with SMI be sustained in the post-coronavirus landscape, offering future directions for policy, technical assistance, training, and research to bring about this change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Beth Goldman
- Group for Advancement of Psychiatry, New York, New York
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17
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Gratzer D, Torous J, Lam RW, Patten SB, Kutcher S, Chan S, Vigo D, Pajer K, Yatham LN. Our Digital Moment: Innovations and Opportunities in Digital Mental Health Care. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 66:5-8. [PMID: 32603188 PMCID: PMC7890581 DOI: 10.1177/0706743720937833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Gratzer
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, 1859Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Scott B Patten
- Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences, 2129University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stanley Kutcher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Palo Alto VA Health, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Vigo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Pajer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lakshmi N Yatham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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Patel SY, Huskamp HA, Busch AB, Mehrotra A. Telemental Health and US Rural-Urban Differences in Specialty Mental Health Use, 2010-2017. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:1308-1314. [PMID: 32673109 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To examine whether growing use of telemental health (TMH) has reduced the rural-urban gap in specialty mental health care use in the United States.Methods. Using 2010-2017 Medicare data, we analyzed trends in the rural-urban difference in rates of specialty visits (in-person and TMH).Results. Among rural beneficiaries diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, TMH use grew by 425% over the 8 years and, in higher-use rural areas, accounted for one quarter of all specialty mental health visits in 2017. Among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, TMH visits differentially grew in rural areas by 0.14 visits from 2010 to 2017. This growth partially offset the 0.42-visit differential decline in in-person visits in rural areas. In net, the gap between rural and urban patients in specialty visits was larger by 2017.Conclusions. TMH has improved access to specialty care in rural areas, particularly for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. While growth in TMH use has been insufficient to eliminate the overall rural-urban difference in specialty care use, this difference may have been larger if not for TMH.Public Health Implications. Targeted policy to extend TMH to underserved areas may help offset declines in in-person specialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadiq Y Patel
- All authors are with Harvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, Boston, MA. Alisa B. Busch is also with Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA. Ateev Mehrotra is also with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
| | - Haiden A Huskamp
- All authors are with Harvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, Boston, MA. Alisa B. Busch is also with Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA. Ateev Mehrotra is also with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
| | - Alisa B Busch
- All authors are with Harvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, Boston, MA. Alisa B. Busch is also with Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA. Ateev Mehrotra is also with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- All authors are with Harvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, Boston, MA. Alisa B. Busch is also with Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA. Ateev Mehrotra is also with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
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