The use of telehealth to increase mental health services access and promote medication adherence in rural locations

Abstract

Fifteen million residents living in rural locations in the U.S. struggle with mental illness, substance dependence, or co-morbid conditions, and are not receiving adequate healthcare (CDC, 2017). In 2025, there will be a need for 15,600 psychiatrists, with only an anticipated 6,090 practicing in the specialty. In 2014, 13,815 advanced psychiatric nurse practitioners (APRNs) were certified in the specialty (Wei, 2017). The shortage of mental health providers contributes to the number of untreated persons with significant mental health concerns and the lack of access to services (Hilty, 2015). The purpose of this project was to determine if a telehealth quality improvement intervention for patients 18 years of age and older who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or substance abuse in a NE Florida specialty mental health treatment facility improved access to providers supporting medication adherence. A secondary purpose was to determine patient satisfaction with the use of telehealth. A convenience sample of 40 adults who met the criteria were enrolled in this project. The measurements (medication survey, patient satisfaction survey, medication refill adherence, and appointment access) collected during this project reflected that the use of telehealth provided improved access to the APRNs with the same level of care as compared to face-to-face consultations. Participant responses showed overall 89.7% satisfaction and willingness to continue to use telehealth as an alternative venue. Expansion and utilization of this venue is a viable option in this facility’s rural locations improving shrinking provider resources while attempting to meet the needs of mental health and dual diagnosis patients.