- 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?
Introduction
Telehealth has become a popular alternative to in-person healthcare visits due to advancements in technology and increased patient demand for remote healthcare options. In psychiatric mental health care, telehealth has shown promising results in improving access to care, increasing patient satisfaction, and reducing healthcare costs. However, there is still a debate on the exclusive use of telehealth or the balance between in-person and telehealth visits for all patients. This essay discusses my thoughts on the exclusive use of telehealth in psychiatric mental health care or the balance between in-person and telehealth visits for all patients. It also discusses my experiences in clinicals throughout my PMHNP program in preparing me for the use of telehealth platforms and my intentions for telehealth use once in active clinical practice as a PMHNP.
Exclusive Use of Telehealth vs. Balance between In-person and Telehealth Visits
The exclusive use of telehealth in psychiatric mental health care has several benefits, including increased access to care, decreased wait times, and reduced healthcare costs. According to a study conducted by the American Telemedicine Association, telepsychiatry reduces hospitalization rates, emergency room visits, and readmissions while increasing patient satisfaction and improving clinical outcomes (American Telemedicine Association, 2017). However, the exclusive use of telehealth may limit the quality of care provided to patients, especially those who require physical examinations, lab tests, or diagnostic imaging.
A balance between in-person and telehealth visits for all patients is ideal in psychiatric mental health care. This approach allows healthcare providers to provide a comprehensive evaluation of patients, including physical examinations and diagnostic tests, while still utilizing telehealth for routine follow-up visits and medication management. The balance between in-person and telehealth visits also allows patients to receive care at their convenience while ensuring that they receive appropriate care for their conditions.
Experiences in Clinicals Throughout My PMHNP Program
Throughout my PMHNP program, I have gained experience in using telehealth platforms for patient evaluations and medication management. These experiences have been invaluable in preparing me for the use of telehealth platforms in my future practice as a PMHNP. I have also learned about the regulations and guidelines for telehealth use, including privacy laws, security, and reimbursement.
Intention of Telehealth Use in Active Clinical Practice as a PMHNP
In my active clinical practice as a PMHNP, I intend to utilize telehealth platforms to provide accessible and convenient care to my patients. I will use telehealth for routine follow-up visits, medication management, and brief consultations. However, I will also utilize in-person visits for patients who require physical examinations, diagnostic tests, or in-depth evaluations. My intention is to strike a balance between in-person and telehealth visits to provide comprehensive care to my patients while ensuring that they receive appropriate care for their conditions.
Conclusion
Telehealth has shown promising results in psychiatric mental health care, and its benefits cannot be ignored. However, the exclusive use of telehealth may limit the quality of care provided to patients. A balance between in-person and telehealth visits for all patients is ideal in psychiatric mental health care. Throughout my PMHNP program, I have gained experience in using telehealth platforms, which has prepared me for the use of telehealth in my active clinical practice as a PMHNP. I intend to utilize telehealth platforms to provide accessible and convenient care to my patients while ensuring that they receive appropriate care for their conditions.