1. Implementation and utilization of telepsychiatry in ontario: a population-based study.
- Author
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Serhal, E., Crawford, A., Cheng, J., and Kurdyak, P.
- Subjects
TELEPSYCHIATRY ,INVOLUNTARY hospitalization ,PATIENT satisfaction ,PANEL analysis ,PSYCHIATRIC hospital care ,SUPPLY & demand - Abstract
Introduction: Telepsychiatry is an effective and reliable health service delivery model with high levels of patient satisfaction, however in Ontario, there is limited evidence to guide strategic implementation of telepsychiatry to effectively distribute care from areas with high health human resource supply to low. Objectives: This presentation will summarize findings from a 2017 published study that:1) Characterized psychiatrists delivering and patients receiving telepsychiatry in Ontario; 2) Determined the number of patients who accessed telepsychiatry following discharge from a psychiatric hospitalization; and 3) Explored distribution of patients receiving and physicians delivering telepsychiatry. Authors will also discuss how to address implementation gaps using implementation science frameworks. Methods: A serial panel study was conducted to evaluate change in psychiatrist characteristic and demographic data from 2007 to 2013; a yearly cross-sectional study was completed for 2012/2013 fiscal year to assess patient and provider utilization and distribution of care. Implementation frameworks were used to assess future implementation approaches for telepsychiatry based on study findings. Results: showed:7% of practicing psychiatrists delivered care through telepsychiatry, and only 3801 patients received care through telepsychiatry in 2013; there is no systematic rationale for organization of telepsychiatry delivery; and less than 1% of patients with high need care were not accessing care through telepsychiatry. Conclusions: Telepsychiatry has the potential to be a helpful service delivery model to improve access to psychiatrists in regions with low supply, but lack of organization for this service has limited its ability to be maximized. Structured implementation tools and procedures, new funding models and increased public awareness can help increase implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020