Telemedicine Introduction

Summary

Dr. Hazel, a psychiatrist with extensive experience in telehealth, shares his journey from traditional psychiatry to pioneering telepsychiatry in Idaho and Wyoming. Initially skeptical, many healthcare providers discovered that patients embraced telehealth, finding it more convenient and accessible. Dr. Hazel highlights the importance of adapting to technological changes in healthcare delivery, emphasizing that telemedicine can deliver quality care comparable to in-person visits. He reflects on overcoming resistance among providers and the evolving role of technology in medical education and patient care, illustrating the growing acceptance and benefits of remote healthcare services.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Hazel graduated from psychiatry training in 1977 and has a long-standing career in mental health.
• 😀 She started working with PTSD and addiction treatment after moving to Wyoming in 1997.
• 😀 The introduction of telepsychiatry came from a suggestion by a nurse practitioner to use video conferencing for patient care.
• 😀 Dr. Hazel established three telepsychiatry clinics in Wyoming by 2002, marking a significant development in remote mental health services.
• 😀 In Idaho, Dr. Hazel faced initial resistance from healthcare providers when promoting telepsychiatry, despite high patient interest.
• 😀 The primary barriers to telehealth adoption often come from providers' concerns rather than patient acceptance.
• 😀 Dr. Hazel emphasized that research shows no significant differences in outcomes between in-person and telehealth consultations.
• 😀 Providers' reluctance is often due to fear of change and unfamiliarity with new technologies.
• 😀 Telehealth can provide substantial convenience for patients, reducing the need for travel and associated costs.
• 😀 Technological advancements, such as electronic stethoscopes and intraoral cameras, can enhance diagnostic capabilities in telehealth.

Q & A

What motivated Dr. Hazel to start working in telehealth?

Dr. Hazel began her telehealth journey after being tasked with driving to distant clinics, which led to the exploration of video conferencing technology for patient consultations.

What experience did Dr. Hazel have before she entered the telepsychiatry field?

Dr. Hazel graduated from psychiatry training in 1977 and focused on treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse issues at the VA's outpatient clinics in Wyoming.

What were some initial challenges Dr. Hazel faced in implementing telepsychiatry?

Dr. Hazel encountered resistance from healthcare providers who were skeptical about telehealth, often citing concerns that patients wouldn't want to use it.

How did Dr. Hazel demonstrate the effectiveness of telepsychiatry to skeptics?

Dr. Hazel highlighted that research shows no significant difference in care quality between face-to-face and telehealth consultations, countering the skepticism with evidence.

What is a common misconception about telehealth that Dr. Hazel addressed?

A common misconception is that patients would resist telehealth; however, Dr. Hazel found that patients were generally eager to participate due to the convenience it offers.

How did Dr. Hazel's telehealth initiatives expand over time?

Dr. Hazel's initiatives expanded as she established multiple telepsychiatry clinics across Wyoming and later in Idaho, particularly after federal funding became available for telepsychiatry.

What technological advancements in telehealth did Dr. Hazel mention?

Dr. Hazel mentioned electronic stethoscopes and inter-oral cameras as advancements that could enhance remote examinations, providing clearer insights than traditional methods.

What role did federal funding play in Dr. Hazel's work with telehealth?

Federal funding was crucial for establishing telepsychiatry initiatives, allowing Dr. Hazel to procure necessary equipment and set up clinics in underserved areas.

What did Dr. Hazel suggest as the primary barrier to telehealth adoption?

Dr. Hazel suggested that the primary barrier to telehealth adoption is not patient reluctance, but rather the resistance from healthcare providers and administrators to change established practices.

How did Dr. Hazel's initial telehealth program come about?

The initial telehealth program was funded by a Department of Defense grant aimed at remote training for operating room technicians, which later evolved into a broader telemedicine initiative.