This week in class we discussed the effectiveness of telepsychiatry, also known as e-mental health. We reviewed the three phases of research that telepsychiatry has gone through. We discussed how there has been a lot of information gathered on the effectiveness of telepsychiatry with adults, but much more information needs to be collected about telepsychiatry in geriatric care. Currently, there is a lot of research being done on the use of e-mental health in child and adolescent populations. In addition to this we discussed the different models for care such as web-based care, patient-centered medical home, and the stepped care model. Finally we watched a webinar reviewing some of the online applications for mental health aimed at child and adolescent populations in Australia.
I was very intrigued by the BRAVE program, used to manage anxiety in children and adolescents. I like how the program had two separate dashboards based on the age group. It really appealed to me, and I'm sure many other consumers as well, because it is absolutely free of charge and walks you through a step by step program. However, one drawback for me was that the dashboard for adolescents shown in the presentation still seemed rather childish. I feel as if this could have implications for how teens perceive and accept the program; if they feel as if it appears too childish they may think that they are too mature for this site or that it is not applicable to people their age.
Many of the apps I have found online or that we have discussed in class allow the patient to track their mood, and share this data. I think this feature is very practical to many populations in the sense that it is just like a fitness tracker where you log your meals, or activities every day. For example, the application "Mood 24/7" developed at John Hopkins University allows users to record their daily mood via text message. The data collected can then be printed and shared with whomever the person wants to share it with, including mental health professionals. As someone who will one day be working as a professional in the mental health field, I see this as a very easy way to have clients record and report mood stability. Many of these applications and websites have benefits to the practitioner and the client, with the previous example being only one benefit of many.
Link to mood 24/7: https://www.mood247.com/aboutmood
I also think that the Mood 24/7 program would be an efficient tool,especially for those who struggle with anxiety and depression. Mood 24/7 can share data with healthcare professionals similar to the program I researched, PTSD coach. I think this method is ver beneficial for both programs because based on the severity of the disorder, the patient will be provided with professional treatment if needed.
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