Kathleen Myers1, Jeanette Valentine, Roxanne Morganthaler, Sanford Melzer. 1. Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. kathleen.myers@seattlechildrens.org
Abstract
PURPOSE: Incarcerated adolescents have a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders but lack psychiatrists to provide ongoing care. Telepsychiatry may provide one solution to treating this underserved population. METHODS: Interactive video conferencing was used to connect a minimum security correctional facility with a regional telemedicine program. Clinical records were reviewed to examine utilization, demographics, diagnoses, pharmacotherapy, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: During the 29-month study period, 115 youth were treated using 275 telepsychiatry visits. Substance-use, behavioral, and emotional disorders were highly prevalent. Eighty percent (80%) of the youth were successfully prescribed medications. Youth expressed confidence with the psychiatrist's recommendations but expressed concerns about privacy. CONCLUSIONS: Telepsychiatry can successfully deliver services to incarcerated adolescents with a wide range of psychiatric needs. A patient-centered approach that directly assesses adolescents' satisfaction is recommended to ensure youths' optimal involvement in needed services.
PURPOSE: Incarcerated adolescents have a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders but lack psychiatrists to provide ongoing care. Telepsychiatry may provide one solution to treating this underserved population. METHODS: Interactive video conferencing was used to connect a minimum security correctional facility with a regional telemedicine program. Clinical records were reviewed to examine utilization, demographics, diagnoses, pharmacotherapy, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: During the 29-month study period, 115 youth were treated using 275 telepsychiatry visits. Substance-use, behavioral, and emotional disorders were highly prevalent. Eighty percent (80%) of the youth were successfully prescribed medications. Youth expressed confidence with the psychiatrist's recommendations but expressed concerns about privacy. CONCLUSIONS: Telepsychiatry can successfully deliver services to incarcerated adolescents with a wide range of psychiatric needs. A patient-centered approach that directly assesses adolescents' satisfaction is recommended to ensure youths' optimal involvement in needed services.
Authors: Nancy B Palmer; Kathleen M Myers; Ann Vander Stoep; Carolyn A McCarty; John R Geyer; Amy Desalvo Journal: Curr Psychiatry Rep Date: 2010-10 Impact factor: 5.285
Authors: Katherine M Boydell; Michael Hodgins; Antonio Pignatiello; John Teshima; Helen Edwards; David Willis Journal: J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2014-05
Authors: Donald M Hilty; Daphne C Ferrer; Michelle Burke Parish; Barb Johnston; Edward J Callahan; Peter M Yellowlees Journal: Telemed J E Health Date: 2013-06 Impact factor: 3.536