Telepsychiatry: effectiveness and feasibility

Figures & data

Table 1 Principles for establishing a telepsychiatry service

1. The need for services and whether telepsychiatry is an option should be determined.

2. The sustainability of the service should be determined.

3. The patient population, model of health service delivery, and services to be offered should be determined.

4. The required infrastructure should be determined.

5. Legal and regulatory issues should be reviewed.

6. Management strategies for the service should be established.

7. Appropriate equipment and technological specifications should be determined.

8. Quality and clinical outcome indicators should be developed.

9. Rapport, confidence, and collaboration with staff at the patient site should be fostered.

10. Informed consent and assent procedures should be established.

11. The physical setting should be arranged and the virtual relationship should be established to produce an optimal clinical encounter.

12. Method of conducting the assessment should be determined including who, if anyone, should be present with the patient.

13. Procedures for prescribing medications should be established.

14. Patients and families should be informed about procedures for care between telepsychiatry sessions, including procedures for emergency or urgent care.

Note: Data from: Myers K, Cain S.¹⁷