Experiences and Attitudes Among Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurses in the Use of Telemental Health: Results of an Online Survey

Abstract

Background: Telemental health (TMH) growth is driven by recent trends in health delivery systems and disparities in access to mental health services. There are currently no standard educational guidelines to prepare psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses (PMH-APRNs) in TMH delivery.

Objective: To survey practicing PMH-APRNs across the United States about their experiences and attitudes about use of TMH.

Design: Eighty-three participants from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association online discussion board completed a nine-item survey.

Questions included: Length of time practicing as a PMH-APRN, TMH use in practice, populations served, and TMH background.

Results: A majority had been practicing as a PMH-APRN for less than a decade and had used TMH, although most reported no prior education or training in this delivery method. Participants did indicate a desire for TMH education.

Conclusion: This survey affirms the prevalence of TMH use among PMH-APRN providers, lack of formal training, and necessity for standardized educational guidelines in TMH delivery.

Keywords: nursing education; psychiatric nursing practice; telemental health.