Authors' recommendations: There is evidence supporting the effectiveness and feasibility of a video conference-based telepsychiatry service, and its use can offer increased access to specialty mental health care for residents of rural or remote areas. Factors that influence the effectiveness of telemental health care include connectivity between sites as well as the bandwidth and resolution employed to provide the service. Diagnostic assessment conducted through videoconferencing-based telepsychiatry requires high to medium bandwidth and resolution to identify non-verbal behaviors such as tics, dysmorphia, or abnormalities in affect. The included guidelines recommend that emergency protocols and procedures specific to each of the telepsychiatry services being provided and environments of care should be developed before the actual care is given.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/jan-2015/RC0624%20Telehealth%20and%20Mental%20Health%20Final.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)