3 Οκτ 2010

Emergency management guidelines for telepsychiatry

Jay H. Shore, M.D., MPH,
Assistant Professor, American Indian and Alaska Native Programs, University of Colorado Health
Sciences Center, Nighthorse Campbell Native Health Building, Mail Stop F800, PO Box 6508,
Aurora, CO 80045-0508, Phone: 303-724-1465, Fax: 303-724-1474, email: jay.shore@uchsc.edu
Donald M. Hilty, M.D., and
Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Director of Telepsychiatry, University of California Davis
Peter Yellowlees, MBBS, MD
Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Academic Information Systems University of California Davis

Abstract
Objective— Telepsychiatry, in the form of live-interactive videoconferencing, is an emerging
application for emergency psychiatric assessment and treatment, can improve the quality and quantity
of mental health services, particularly for rural, remote and isolated populations. Despite the potential
of emergency telepsychiatry, the literature has been fairly limited in this area.
Method— Drawing on the combined clinical and administrative experiences of its authors this
article reviews the common administrative, legal/ethical and clinical issues that arise in emergency
telepsychiatry.
Results— An initial set of guidelines for emergency telepsychiatry is presented to generate further
discussion to assist those who are considering establishing general telepsychiatry and/or emergency
telepsychiatry services.
Conclusion— The practices and techniques of emergency telepsychiatry are relatively new and
require further examination, modification and refinement so that they may be fully utilized within
comprehensive mental health service systems.
Keywords
Telepsychiatry; Emergency Telepsychiatry; Rural Mental Health; Emergency Psychiatry
 

TELEPSYCHIATRY Guidelines and Procedures for Clinical Activities Reviews and Opinions

1. INTRODUCTION

Canada is a vast country and this makes it a challenge to provide adequate access to psychiatric care. Telepsychiatry can be an effective vehicle to provide this service to rural and remote communities. Telepsychiatry can also offer support for mental health care professionals who live and work in these areas. In recent years, advances in technology have enabled electronic methodologies to play an important role in the delivery of psychiatric services to distant sites (Picot, 1998). While these developments are exciting and they present new opportunities, there is a need to proceed cautiously.