Telemedicine Technologies in Psychiatry and Narcology: Specialists’ Point of View

Abstract

Objective: To identify the main problems in the system of medical care provided with the help of telemedicine technologies based on the specialists’ survey (psychiatrists, narcologists, psychotherapists and medical psychologists). Material and methods. The survey was conducted with the questionnaire developed by employees of Bekhterev Psychoneurological Research Institute. The questionnaire contained general questions (gender, age, length of service, specialization, federal district in which the specialist works) and questions about the prospects, opportunities, and challenges of using telemedicine counseling in psychiatry and narcology. The doctors’ willingness to conduct such consultations and refer patients to them was also evaluated. 235 respondents took part in the survey, 55.3% were psychiatrists, narcologists accounted for 31.9%, and the remainder consisted of psychotherapists, medical psychologists and doctors who indicated several specialties. Results. Statistically significant differences were found in the evaluation of the usefulness of telemedicine consultations in psychiatry and narcology. Doctors who referred patients before to such consultations rated their usefulness at 3.95 points (on a five-point scale), while doctors without such experience rated their usefulness at 3.0 points. Interviewees also noted the greater effectiveness of video conferences if compared with the flow of medical documents, 3.5 points versus 2.9 points. Number of problems where identified, including the lack of doctors’ awareness about the possibilities of telemedicine, lack of necessary equipment and insufficient drug provision in the regions, which does not allow to implement the recommendations of the consultant in full. Conclusion. Organizational and methodological work with telemedicine specialists is necessary, resolving the issue of equipping regional hospitals with equipment and medicines.