A lexicon of assessment and outcome measures for telemental health

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this document is to provide initial recommendations to telemental health (TMH) professionals for the selection of assessment and outcome measures that best reflect the impacts of mental health treatments delivered via live interactive videoconferencing.

Materials and methods: The guidance provided here was created through an expert consensus process and is in the form of a lexicon focused on identified key TMH outcomes.

Results: Each lexical item is elucidated by a definition, recommendations for assessment/measurement, and additional commentary on important considerations. The lexicon is not intended as a current literature review of the field, but rather as a resource to foster increased dialogue, critical analysis, and the development of the science of TMH assessment and evaluation. The intent of this lexicon is to better unify the TMH field by providing a resource to researchers, program managers, funders, regulators and others for assessing outcomes.

Conclusions: This document provides overall context for the key aspects of the lexicon.