Dr. Vernig reviews the history of telehealth services, from its first applications to its modern use to deliver mental health services, in this invited article for the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. He reviews the literature demonstrating similar clinical outcomes and satisfaction on behalf of both the patient and provider, when compared to in-person services. Drawing on his experience developing care-delivery programs and providing remote clinical services, Dr. Vernig advocated for the expansion and acceptance of telehealth services in behavioral healthcare before the COVID-19 pandemic made these offerings commonplace.
Abstract
Telemental health, which involves clinicians connecting remotely to patients via teleconferencing, has seen growing interest. In addition to providing in-home treatment, this technology allows specialists to provide care in remote and underserved areas. Current research suggests that both patients and clinicians are satisfied with telemental health services and that it is comparable in terms of quality to in-person care. Nonetheless, concerns still exist regarding its effects on the role of clinicians and the care they provide.