How technology is helping 'bring' psychiatrists to people in underserved areas.
Like telemedicine, telepsychiatry relies on technology to bring clinical medicine to patients, rather than the other way around. Patients typically videoconference with doctors using computers or videoconferencing equipment. Telepsychiatric services are growing, and the advantage is that such technology opens access to care, particularly for those in remote areas where there are fewer psychiatrists.The disadvantage, Benjelloun says, is that the human touch is missing. “A caring touch or handing a patient a tissue can never be possible,” she says, adding that this can also lead to missed cues on her part. “I am unable to clearly see self-inflicted wounds or tears.” Read More
