Provider Education Regarding the Use of Telemental Health Care

Utah has identified mental health care as one of three Health Professional Shortage Areas. Studies have shown telemental health systems to be effective in delivering mental health care and in reducing this professional shortage gap; however, barriers remain that prevent mental health care professionals from utilizing this system of care. Studies have shown that increasing exposure and training for telemental health care positively correlates with greater utilization of this within the clinical setting. Provider education that addresses the benefits, risks, and barriers can increase interest for the incorporation of telemental health into clinical practice and increase the availability of mental health care to this vulnerable population. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational module regarding telemental health care directed toward Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners and Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students. The Stakeholder Theory is the theoretical framework in this study, because it prioritizes the interest of mental healthcare providers. The content of the module contained information regarding common risks, benefits, and limitations of telemental healthcare, as well as Utah specific laws, regulations, and processes for implementing this system of care in a practice. The IRB provided exemption of the project. Study participants received a pre and post questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of the educational module, ascertain level of interest and confidence in establishing telemental health care in clinical practice, and understand additional gaps existing in telemental health education. Delivery of the pre-questionnaire, post-questionnaire, and educational module occurred via email and electronic data capture software. Qualitative analysis assisted in assessing questionnaire responses. Comparison of responses demonstrated effectiveness and benefit of the educational module. Healthcare professionals received results presented in poster format. Finally, dissemination of the results occurred amongst the faculty of the Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Utah College of Nursing. In summary, this project focused on providing education to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and students regarding telemental health care, in order to determine if it increased the provider's interest in delivering mental health care with this system.