Tele-psychiatry and the Underserved Older Adult Population: An Integrative Review Exploring Tele-psychiatry Effectivity

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Even before the pandemic, there was a need to address the mental health needs of an underserved geriatric population. According to the <i>American Psychological Association</i> 1 in 4 older adults age 65 and older experience, anxiety, schizophrenia or dementia. This integrative review was used to examine the efficacy of Tele-psychiatry to treat older adults who lack access to in-person care. <h3>Methods</h3> In this study, an integrative review of the literature was used. The search strategy began using the PubMed database with the terms: geriatric, tele-psychiatry, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Results will be limited to peer reviewed articles from the U.S. with in the last 7 years. The articles could be reviews, clinical trials or randomized control. <h3>Results</h3> Based on research, the use of tele-psychiatry has been proven as a worthy substitute for older adults unable to access in person mental health services. Services rendered through tele-psychiatry are proven to achieve positive patient satisfaction, attitudes and clinical outcomes. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In general, the research shows a favorable trajectory for the quality and effectiveness of tele-psychiatry for the older adult that lacks access. However, little is known about the relative long-term implications of using telepsychiatry for long extended periods of time. Future qualitative and longitudinal research should be directed to examine the long-term effects on patient satisfaction, effectiveness and feasibility of tele-psychiatry on the older adult unable to access care. <h3>This research was funded by</h3> There was no funding available to support this project.