Psych-technology: A Systematic Review of the Telepsychiatry Literature

Recent advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have created opportunities to assist in providing alternate solutions to the delivery of quality psychiatric services. This study sets out to review the literature related to the use of ICT in the psychiatry field. The study was conducted using electronic databases such as Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO and Embase covering the period 1996 to March 2008. The focus of the study was on reviews including studies reporting cost-effectiveness, patient outcomes, technology implementations and services, applications in different geographical settings (developed and undeveloped countries), the use of telepsychiatry in Australia and the barriers to the practice of telepsychiatry. These studies were classified as randomised control trials, evaluation studies and review studies. Fifty-three articles were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results from the randomized controlled trials analyzed have demonstrated that telepsychiatry treatment has equivalent efficacy to face-to-face consultation. Synchronous technologies applied in psychiatry practice include: videoconferencing, telephony and online chat programs. Asynchronous technologies include: online support groups, email and self-help groups. The application of telepsychiatry has increased in developed countries such as: USA, Canada and Europe. Telepsychiatry has also been widely used in a number of programs to service rural Australian regions. A lack of application and evolvement of telepsychiatry in developing countries was evident in this review study as well as a lack of economic studies comparing the costs associated with conventional psychiatry services against the costs associated with telepsychiatry services. This review study has shown the potential of telepsychiatry services to assist in the provision of effective mental and psychiatric care

Education and training to support the use of clinical telehealth: a review of the literature

Introduction: Despite a growing literature base, substantial investment, and policy changes within governments, the integration of telehealth into routine clinical care has been limited. The availability of appropriate systematic education and training for practitioners has been highlighted as necessary for strong adoption. However, the availability and nature of telehealth-related education and training for practitioners is not understood. By reviewing the literature, we aimed to describe the delivery of education and training in telehealth, with particular focus on content, modes of delivery, types of institutions, and target clinician groups

Rationale and design of a randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of web intervention for improving the healthy lifestyles of children and adolescence

Energy dense high fat dietary intakes and low levels of physical activity among children are considered to be significant contributing factors in the development of obesity and overweight. The dramatic increase of obesity and overweight is demanding urgent strategies to address this problem. The use of Internet technology is proven to be effective in preventing and managing various health problems. Web-based technology has particularly shown its potential to deliver healthcare at a distance. The aim of this short paper is to describe the rationale and design of an intervention study assessing the effect of web-based technology to promote healthy lifestyles among children, namely healthy eating and exercise habits. The intervention study will be evaluated through a design of randomized controlled trial with eighty school-aged children. Children will be randomly allocated into either web-based intervention group or usual care control group. Participants in the intervention group are given access to a website for eight weeks, while the control group will receive no treatment and live their usual daily life. The primary study outcomes are the change knowledge relating to healthy eating and physical activity; and behavioral changes in dietary and exercise practices. Outcomes will be measured pre and post- intervention, and at follow-up of eight weeks. The present study will add significant evidence to the growing literature regarding obesity and overweight prevention. The study will also offer evidence to alternative ways in delivering healthcare particularly employing e-health techniques for promoting healthy eating and exercise habits in children and adolescents