Current directions in videoconferencing tele-mental health research.

Abstract

The provision of mental health services via videoconferencing tele-mental health has become an increasingly routine component of mental health service delivery throughout the world. Emphasizing the research literature since 2003, we examine: 1) the extent to which the field of tele-mental health has advanced the research agenda previously suggested; and 2) implications for tele-mental health care delivery for special clinical populations. Previous findings have demonstrated that tele-mental health services are satisfactory to patients, improve outcomes, and are probably cost effective. In the very small number of randomized controlled studies that have been conducted to date, tele-mental health has demonstrated equivalent efficacy compared to face-to-face care in a variety of clinical settings and with specific patient populations. However, methodologically flawed or limited research studies are the norm, and thus the research agenda for tele-mental health has not been fully maximized. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Counselor Education Doctoral Students' Experiences With Multiple Roles and Relationships

“…I conducted all interviews through the videoconferencing software (e.g., Skype, Google Hangout, and Face Time). Recent literature supported the use of videoconferencing software by researchers when conducting interviews, and the similarities of these interviews to in-person interviews have been noted (Beck, 2005;Dicicco-Bloom & Crabtree, 2006;Richardson, Frueh, Grubaugh, Egede, & Elhai, 2009;Sedgwick & Spiers, 2009;Winzenburg, 2012). I maintained confidentiality by conducting interviews in a private room where only I was privy to participants' responses.…”

“…Considering the evidence in the literature regarding videoconferencing as a valid means for conducting qualitative interviews, I believe videoconferencing was a costeffective and appropriate medium to use for my data collection. Richardson et al (2009) discussed the pertinent ethical and legal issues involved with videoconferencing. They suggested that researchers utilizing videoconferencing consider the issue of informed consent, especially with respect to recording the videoconference.…”

Successful provision of emergency mental health care to rural and remote New South Wales: an evaluation of the Mental Health Emergency Care–Rural Access Program

“…[16][17][18] Telepsychiatry has been proven to be reliable and acceptable to both patients and providers for non-urgent care and has great potential for emergency care. [19][20][21][22][23][24] The initial evaluation of the MHEC-RAP during the establishment phase concluded that the program was helpful for both providers and patients. 25,26 The present study is part of a further evaluation and was designed to document longer-term changes in service use, identify gaps in services use and inform further service development.…”

Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults

“…Older adults living in rural areas also have less access to community mental health services and to mental health specialists in nursing homes compared with those not residing in rural areas (Averill, 2012;Coburn & Bolda, 1999). Recent models that draw upon standardized treatments (Gellis & Bruce, 2010) and telehealth technologies (Richardson, Frueh, Grubaugh, Egede, & Elhai, 2009) have begun to expand access to mental health care for homebound and rural older adults.…”