Forum 4-Abbi Herrold

What is the difference between a telepsychiatry consultation and a face-to-face consultation?

The differences between consultation via videoconferencing and traditional consultation are limited, but they do still exist. One main difference is that it can be more difficult to pick up on body language and nonverbal cues via videoconferencing, this is known as the "cuelessness" phenomena. Additionally, the amount of patient disclosure may be affected with the use of teleconferencing if patients believe that they are being recorded or that others may be able to hear or view the conversation they are having with their physician. Finally, there may be technological issues like signal delay or interruptions between patient and physician as it can be difficult to interpret natural language processes with the lack of body language. It is found that in person consultations take less time, but both traditional and consultations via videoconferencing have been found to be effective

The Internet has provided a broader access to health-related information. How has the increased access changed the patient’s use of information and the doctor-patient relationship?

Many doctors have reported that the time of consultation has increased due to increased access to health information that is available online, while others report that it has decreased the time of consultation as patients are better able to narrow down their main concerns and questions. Health information available online nonetheless has increased the discussion between patient and doctor, patients now have more control and are able to  better be a mutual partner in their healthcare plan instead of having a care plan that is simply given to them without a lot of their input. Also, doctors are able to refer patients to certain online resources as supplementary versions of psychoeducation.  However, doctors do report some disadvantages to patients having access to health information via the internet such as patients are becoming more demanding as a result of online forums. Also, patients who have anxiety or a lack of trust in their doctor may seek further use of the internet and trust the information and advice given by the internet than that of the doctor. 

What are the possible problems with Internet use linked with the nature of the Internet itself?

The golden rule of the internet seems to the golden rule of the T.V. and any other source of media "don't believe everything you read, see, etc." It can be difficult to evaluate the authenticity and credibility of sources on the vast worldwide web. Therefore, patients must be cautious when searching for health information and make extra effort to evaluate the sources and how accurate, helpful, and valuable they may be. There is a lot of misleading information on the internet patients must keep this in mind. Additionally, through online forums and social media there is a risk of confidentiality being breached both to patients and physicians. One must always ere on the side of caution when using or posting on the internet!