In medicine, there’s a new trend growing, and thanks to technology, it’s helping more people get access to the care they need. The industry of telehealth and telemedicine is booming as more doctors and hospitals embrace technology. By 2018, the market for telehealth technologies is expected to grow to $1.9 billion, way up from just $240 million in 2013.
One part of medicine where telemedicine solutions are taking hold is in mental health services. Telemedicine psychiatry is proving to be a success as more people take advantage of mental health counseling from anywhere with a computer and an internet connection. This is beneficial for those dealing with any number of conditions, from depression or anxiety to other, severe mental illness.
What should you know about the burgeoning field of telemedicine psychiatry? Here are three facts about the benefits of telemedicine and telepsychiatry software by the numbers:
1. Patients may be more likely to keep their appointments. Telemedicine research points to the benefits of these expanding services and finds that it may be easier for patients. One study, which took place over 18 months, found that 92% of patients kept their telepsychiatry appointments vs. just 87% of those using in-person therapies. This option tends to be more convenient for many people, and it may help lessen the anxiety they feel about speaking to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
2. Those who use telepsychiatry may be more likely to use the same psychiatrist. In one trial study of online therapy, patients took advantage of an average of six sessions each. Additionally, 73% of them rebooked with the same doctor, which means they were comfortable enough to build a working relationship with that clinician. This can have major benefits for those who are new to therapy.
3. Telemedicine psychiatry patients are less likely to cancel their appointments. One study revealed that patients of telepsychiatry were significantly less likely to cancel their appointments. Just 3.5% of these patients canceled compared with 4.8% of in-person patients. They were also far less likely to be no-shows than patients meeting with doctors face-to-face: just 4.2% vs. 7.8%.
As technologies such as laptops, webcams, and other devices become more prevalent in our society, so, too, could access to mental health for people who need it most. And with the convenience of technology, people who have difficulty accessing transportation won’t have to worry about keeping appointments.
What do you think about the trend of telemedicine? Tell us in the comments.