A review of telemental health in international and post-disaster settings. (2nd November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Augusterfer, Eugene F.; Mollica, Richard F.; Lavelle, James
• Is Part Of: International review of psychiatry. Volume 27:Number 6(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 540
• Page End: 546
• Publication Date: 2015-11-02
• Subjects: Mental illness -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.3109/09540261.2015.1082985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0261

Abstract

Abstract: Telemental health (TMH) is an important component in meeting critical mental health needs of the global population. Mental health is an issue of global importance; an estimated 450 million people worldwide have mental or behavioural disorders, accounting for 12% of the World Health Organization's (WHO) global burden of disease. However, it is reported that 75% of people suffering from mental disorders in the Developing World receive no treatment or care. In this paper, the authors review global mental health needs with a focus on the use of TMH to meet mental health needs in international and post-disaster settings. Telemedicine and TMH have the capacity to bring evidence-based best practices in medicine and mental health to the under-served and difficult to reach areas of the world, including post-disaster settings. The authors will also report on the mental health impact of the Haiti 2010 earthquake and on the limited use of telemedicine in post-disaster Haiti. The paper will underscore the point that published papers on the use of TMH in post-disaster settings are lacking. Finally, the paper will review considerations before working in TMH in international and post-disaster settings.