“When we started doing video conferencing technologies, we basically were taking what we do in person and just doing that over video,” Dr. Shore said. “Where we are now, .”
A prolific author on the topic of telepsychiatry and long involved in this practice, Dr. Shore has said that the widespread introduction of fiber optic networks and other technological advances over the last 15 years has advanced all forms of digital technology. These are enabling and will likely accelerate synergies possible with integration of different platforms, such as electronic health records, patient portals, videoconferencing, and various methods of communication.
In his own experience, which includes providing remote services from his office in Denver to native populations in Alaska, he has discovered some unexpected advantages to telepsychiatry. For example, some victims recounting histories of domestic abuse feel more secure during videoconferencing than during a face-to-face interview, facilitating capture of a complete history. In general, he now prefers telepsychiatry in those situations.
As telepsychiatry advances, it will be increasingly integrated into hybrid models of care that involve communicating with both the patient and other clinicians over multiple platforms (for example, in-person, video, patient portals). This is not just relevant to patients in a geographically distant facility. With greater acceptance and integration, videoconferencing will be part of this mix of communication tools that might also include in-person consultations. The goal will be to use the most convenient communication strategies to coordinate the diagnosis, a treatment plan, and follow-up.