An issue or trend that impacts psychiatric mental health practice

Full Answer Section

    disparities in access to technology and the digital divide can unintentionally exacerbate existing mental health disparities.

1. Example from Practice:

A community mental health clinic implements a telehealth program to provide therapy services to clients in rural areas. While the program offers greater access compared to traditional in-person appointments, some potential barriers emerge:

• Limited internet access: Clients in remote areas might lack reliable internet connectivity, hindering their ability to participate in video sessions.
• Technological illiteracy: Clients unfamiliar with using computers or video conferencing platforms might find telehealth challenging.
• Privacy concerns: Clients from low-income backgrounds might lack safe and private spaces for confidential telehealth sessions.

1. Relationship between Phenomenon and Issue:

Access to care is a fundamental concern in mental health disparities. Telehealth has the potential to bridge the gap, but the digital divide poses a significant challenge. Without addressing these access barriers, telehealth could unintentionally amplify existing mental health disparities:

• Unintended Exclusion: Individuals without reliable internet access or technological skills might be excluded from telehealth services, further limiting their access to care.
• Exacerbating Stigma: The inability to access telehealth due to technological limitations might reinforce negative stereotypes about certain demographics and mental health.

Overall, while telehealth offers a valuable tool to expand access to mental health services, it's crucial to address the digital divide to ensure this technology doesn't exacerbate existing disparities. Psychiatric mental health nurses play a vital role in advocating for equitable access to telehealth by:

• Promoting digital literacy programs: Equipping patients with the skills needed to use telehealth technologies effectively.
• Collaborating with community partners: Partnering with organizations that provide internet access and technology support services to underserved communities.
• Developing alternative strategies: Developing alternative telehealth models that are less reliant on high-speed internet, such as phone consultations.

By addressing the access concerns related to the digital divide, mental health professionals can ensure that telehealth becomes a tool for promoting equity and improving mental health outcomes for all populations.    

Sample Answer

     

Issue/Trend: Mental Health Disparities in Telehealth Services

Selected Phenomenon of Concern: Access to Care (American Nurses Association et al., 2022, pp. 4-5)

Application of Course Knowledge:

a. Description of the Issue:

Mental health disparities refer to the unequal access to mental health services across different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic populations. Telehealth, the use of telecommunication technologies to deliver healthcare services remotely, has emerged as a promising solution to address access barriers.