[Chassidy Martin]

Telehealth Reflection:

I would develop a telehealth program focused on outpatient psychiatric care for underserved adult and geriatric populations, especially those in rural or long-term care settings. A hybrid model using videoconferencing + Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) + mHealth would be most effective. Videoconferencing will allow for real-time psychiatric evaluations, while mHealth apps support medication reminders and symptom tracking. RPM would provide objective data between visits.

Equipment/Technology:

Secure HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform
mHealth apps for mood, sleep, and medication adherence tracking
RPM tools
EHR integration for documentation and care coordination

Target Population/Issue:
Adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and geriatric patients with mood or cognitive disorders who have limited access to psychiatric providers. This aligns with improving access and continuity of care.

My Role:
As a PMHNP, I would conduct psychiatric evaluations, prescribe and manage medications, provide brief psychotherapy, monitor outcomes, and coordinate care with primary providers and facility staff.

Program Evaluation:

Symptom improvement (PHQ-9, GAD-7 scores)
Medication adherence rates
Hospitalization/readmission rates
Patient satisfaction and engagement
Access metrics

Legal Considerations:

Compliance with HIPAA and state telehealth laws
Verification of patient location and appropriate licensure
Informed consent for telehealth services
Prescriptive authority regulations
Documentation standards equivalent to in-person care

Interprofessional Collaboration:

Primary care providers
Social workers and case managers
Therapists/counselors
Nursing home staff (for geriatric patients)
Pharmacists

Protocols:

Intake and emergency risk assessment
Crisis response plan with local emergency contacts
Follow-up and monitoring schedule
Medication management and side effect monitoring
Referral pathways for higher level of care

Informed Consent Process:
Patients would receive a clear explanation of telehealth services, including risks (privacy, technical issues), benefits (access, convenience), and alternatives (in-person care). Consent would be obtained verbally and documented, with a signed electronic form stored in the EHR. Patients would also confirm their location and emergency contact at each visit to ensure safety.

[Author]

Posts