JUNE 2013 | Donald M. Hilty, MD, Daphne C. Ferrer, MD, Michelle Burke Parish, MA, Barb Johnston, MSN, Edward J. Callahan, PhD, and Peter M. Yellowlees, MD, MBBS
This 2013 review evaluates the effectiveness of telemental health, focusing on telepsychiatry and psychological services. The study analyzed a wide range of literature from 2003 to 2013, identifying key findings across various populations and settings. Telemental health was found to be effective for diagnosis and assessment in adults, children, and the elderly, and comparable to in-person care in many settings, including emergency and home health. New care models, such as collaborative care, asynchronous, and mobile services, were also shown to be effective.
The review highlights that telemental health improves access to care, particularly for underserved populations, and is effective in treating disorders such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use. It also addresses cultural and language barriers, noting that telemental health can help meet the needs of diverse populations. The study emphasizes the importance of considering factors like feasibility, replicability, and cost when evaluating telemental health services.
The review also discusses the cost-effectiveness of telemental health, noting that it can be more cost-effective than in-person care, especially for certain populations. However, the study acknowledges the need for further research on specific disorders, cultural considerations, and cost implications. Overall, the findings suggest that telemental health is a valuable and effective alternative to traditional in-person care, with potential for broader implementation in various healthcare settings.This 2013 review evaluates the effectiveness of telemental health, focusing on telepsychiatry and psychological services. The study analyzed a wide range of literature from 2003 to 2013, identifying key findings across various populations and settings. Telemental health was found to be effective for diagnosis and assessment in adults, children, and the elderly, and comparable to in-person care in many settings, including emergency and home health. New care models, such as collaborative care, asynchronous, and mobile services, were also shown to be effective.
The review highlights that telemental health improves access to care, particularly for underserved populations, and is effective in treating disorders such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use. It also addresses cultural and language barriers, noting that telemental health can help meet the needs of diverse populations. The study emphasizes the importance of considering factors like feasibility, replicability, and cost when evaluating telemental health services.
The review also discusses the cost-effectiveness of telemental health, noting that it can be more cost-effective than in-person care, especially for certain populations. However, the study acknowledges the need for further research on specific disorders, cultural considerations, and cost implications. Overall, the findings suggest that telemental health is a valuable and effective alternative to traditional in-person care, with potential for broader implementation in various healthcare settings.