What Are Your Thoughts Supported By Evidence For This

See Belowwhat Are Your Thoughts Supported By Evidence For The Exclus

See below What are your thoughts (supported by evidence) for the exclusive use of telehealth in psychiatric mental health care or for a balance between in-person and telehealth visits for all patients? What have your experiences been in clinicals throughout your PMHNP program been in preparing you for the use of telehealth platforms? What is your intention of telehealth use once in active clinical practice as a PMHNP and why?

Paper For Above instruction

The integration of telehealth into psychiatric mental health care has revolutionized how mental health services are delivered, especially in the context of increasing accessibility, convenience, and adaptation to technological advancements. This paper explores the benefits and limitations of exclusive telehealth use, advocates for a balanced approach between in-person and telehealth visits, reflects on clinical experiences during the PMHNP program, and discusses future intentions regarding telehealth practice.

The debate over whether telehealth should be used exclusively or in conjunction with traditional in-person care centers on several factors. Evidence suggests that telehealth can be highly effective in managing a variety of mental health conditions. A systematic review by Hubley et al. (2016) highlights that telehealth approaches are comparable in efficacy to face-to-face interventions in treating depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, telepsychiatry enhances access for underserved populations, including rural communities or individuals with mobility challenges, thereby reducing disparities in mental health care (Yellowlees et al., 2018).

However, there are limitations to relying solely on telehealth. Certain assessments necessitate physical presence for comprehensive evaluations, such as observing nonverbal cues or conducting physical examinations that could influence diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, some patients may lack the technological literacy or equipment necessary for optimal telehealth engagement, which can hinder the quality of care (Shore et al., 2020). The clinical relationship, built upon trust and rapport, can also be more challenging to establish and maintain virtually, especially with new patients (Gordon et al., 2020).

Given these factors, a balanced approach seems most prudent. Evidence supports that integrating telehealth with in-person visits offers the flexibility to adapt to individual patient needs, improve engagement, and optimize outcomes. The American Psychiatric Association (2020) emphasizes that hybrid models leveraging the strengths of both modalities can maximize patient care, particularly as telehealth technology continues to evolve and become more sustainable.

Throughout my clinical training in the PMHNP program, I have gained valuable experience with telehealth platforms, including establishing rapport remotely, conducting mental status examinations, and managing crises virtually. These experiences have underscored the importance of adapting communication skills, ensuring privacy, and verifying technology functionality to maintain effective sessions. Exposure to telepsychiatry has highlighted its potential in reaching diverse patient populations and encouraging engagement from those who might otherwise avoid in-person visits due to stigma, transportation issues, or scheduling conflicts (Doran et al., 2021).

Looking ahead to active clinical practice, I intend to incorporate telehealth as a significant component of my psychiatric services. The flexibility and convenience it offers are invaluable for patients with busy schedules or limited mobility. Moreover, telehealth can facilitate regular follow-ups, medication management, and psychoeducation, which are critical for treatment adherence and successful outcomes. I believe that maintaining an integrated approach will allow me to personalize care, adapt to patient preferences, and utilize the most appropriate modality based on clinical judgment and individual circumstances.

In conclusion, while telehealth has demonstrated substantial benefits in psychiatric mental health care, relying solely on this approach may overlook some clinical nuances and patient-specific factors. A balanced model combining in-person and telehealth visits aligns with the current evidence and promotes comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered care. As a future PMHNP, embracing this hybrid approach will enable me to deliver high-quality mental health services while adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Practice guidelines for telepsychiatry. American Journal of Psychiatry.
• Doran, K. M., Wang, Y., & Apostolova, L. G. (2021). Telepsychiatry and mental health care: A review of the evidence. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 82(3), 20r13745.
• Gordon, J. A., Wade, B., & Halliday, J. (2020). Building rapport in telepsychiatry: Challenges and strategies. Psychiatric Services, 71(8), 782-784.
• Hubley, S., Lynch, S. B., Schneck, C., Thomas, S., & Shore, J. (2016). Review of key telepsychiatry outcomes. The Psychiatric Quarterly, 87(3), 353-390.
• Shore, J. H., Yellowlees, P., & Caudill, R. (2020). Telepsychiatry assessments: Considerations and best practices. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(4), 250-259.
• Yellowlees, P., Shan, S., & Frenk, S. (2018). The impact of telepsychiatry on access to mental health services. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 24(4), 253-259.