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Telepsychiatry and geriatric care
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. bjones@wfubmc.edu
Current Psychiatry Reports
|March 20, 2001
Summary
Telepsychiatry, using telecommunications for remote mental health, is valuable and expanding. It shows great potential for improving access to care for underserved older adults.
Area of Science:
- Telepsychiatry
- Geriatric Mental Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Telecommunications technology is increasingly used to deliver mental health services remotely.
- Telepsychiatry encompasses various applications like telephone-based support, videoconferencing consultations, and health education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and value of telepsychiatry services.
- To examine applications and research in geriatric mental health settings.
- To assess the potential of telecommunications in expanding mental health access for the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Review of reports from existing telepsychiatry programs.
- Inclusion of studies involving geriatric populations and settings.
- Analysis of applications including telephone screening, videoconferencing consultations, and administrative support.
Main Results:
- Extensive experience to date supports the value and efficacy of telepsychiatry.
- Telepsychiatry has demonstrated applications in geriatric care and research.
- Cost analyses and economic evaluations are still in preliminary stages and require further development.
Conclusions:
- Telepsychiatry is a valuable modality for delivering mental health services.
- There is significant potential for telecommunications to enhance mental health service accessibility for underserved geriatric populations.