The use of electronic communications technology to provide and support health care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults when distance separates the practitioner from the patient, parent, guardian, or referring practitioner. This definition specifically excludes from discussion the use of ordinary telephone communication between practitioners and patients and the use of communications technology for education of practitioners.
Published in Chapter:
Pediatric Telepsychiatry as Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
Katherine M. Boydell (University of Toronto, Canada), Tiziana Volpe (The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada), and Antonio Pignatiello (University of Toronto, Canada)
Copyright: © 2009
|Pages: 13
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-356-2.ch050
Abstract
Although a great deal has been written about the potential for telemedicine to increase access to care, applications in paediatrics are sparse. This chapter details how one paediatric telepsychiatry program has facilitated the creation of integrated healthcare solutions in patient psychiatric care for children and youth in remote and rural communities. It demonstrates how the telepsychiatry model of healthcare service delivery has improved access, enhanced capacity, and promoted knowledge exchange in rural communities. A case study is used to highlight theoretical and empirical research on the value of televideo information technology in mental healthcare and its impact on the healthcare stakeholders who utilize this technology. An overview of the clinical, education, and evaluation components of the program is outlined, with a focus on knowledge translation and exchange as the underpinning foundation to the success of the program.