Attitudes and Perceived Competence of Psychometricians Toward Psychological Tele-Assessment in the Philippines

Abstract

This study aims to determine the attitudes and perceived competence level of 64 Filipino registered psychometricians with prior experience in psychological tele-assessment to conduct this service for their present and future clientele. Researchers used the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) that connects attitude and mental health services and a five-theme framework that discusses the factors or needs in facilitating successful tele-assessment. The results revealed a predominantly positive attitude toward psychological tele-assessment yet with the emergence of contradicting appraisals. Most tended to agree on the benefits of tele-assessment in addressing mental health concerns, but concerns about its flexibility, privacy, confidentiality, rapport, and communication were salient. Respondents reported high openness to conducting tele-assessment in the future but recognized that this was more challenging than the traditional assessment. They evaluated themselves with low confidence and were somewhat knowledgeable about the ethical issues involved in this service. Results further indicated low perceived competence to conduct tele-assessment. They expressed the need for more training, specific local guidelines, access to technology, and available online tests for tele-assessment.