Attitudes of Australian psychologists towards the delivery of therapy via video conferencing technology

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore psychologists' attitudes towards the use of video conferencing technology (VCT) to deliver therapy. Method: Participants (N = 12) were recruited via opportunistic sampling either via the Australian Psychological Society website or social media. Participants (three males and nine females) were located in Queensland. They were aged between 23 and 50 years of age (mean age = 32.91, SD = 9.36), held varying levels of experience in psychology (<1 year to 12 years) and types of endorsement (e.g. provisional, general, clinical and health). A semistructured interview schedule was applied in-person (n = 7) or via telephone (n = 5). Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) five-step method for assessing qualitative data in psychology. Results: Results indicated that psychologists' attitudes towards VCT to deliver therapy paralleled the tri-component definition of attitudes proposed by Breckler (1984) and Rajecki (1982). Subthemes reflecting these components included perceived limitations or benefits of VCT (i.e. a cognitive component), a sense of comfort when using VCT (i.e. an affective component), and a general tendency to resist or embrace VCT (i.e. a behavioural disposition). Conclusions: Key barriers and facilitators identified underscore the need for training to improve knowledge and awareness of VCT, including its evidence base. Specifically, the assistance of 'embracers' to provide training in VCT (e.g. adapting microskills to a different medium and using technology flexibly) may also dispel negative views held by psychologists regarding VCT and its effectiveness and consequently facilitate a wider adoption of VCT throughout Australia.

Building on the momentum: Sustaining telehealth beyond COVID-19

“…8 COVID-19 has highlighted that a large proportion of the workforce has not been trained in how to deliver care via telehealth. 9,10 The rapid rollout of telehealth demanded creative models of training and support to ensure staff develop the necessary skills to deliver telehealth services. 11 For instance, within a three-week period, Duke Private Diagnostic Clinic in the USA implemented a telehealth call centre which supported the delivery of telehealth services through a train-the-trainer telehealth-skills programme.…”

Australian Psychologists Experiences with Digital Mental Health: a Qualitative Investigation

“…Despite the mostly positive attitudes held by participants in our sample, practitioner resistance remains a barrier to uptake (Batterham et al, 2015 ; Clough et al, 2019 ; Knott et al, 2020 ; LaMonica et al, 2019 ). Whilst the psychologists in our sample held mostly positive beliefs about digital mental health, they did report that other colleagues in their industry were resistant to the idea of clients accessing digital mental health services, especially those that were self-directed or did not involve clinician-input.…”

In a Pandemic That Limits Contact, Can Videoconferencing Enable Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Services and What Are the Patient's Perspectives?

“…Concerns regarding limitations in building an interpersonal connection over videoconferencing through loss of non-verbal and verbal cues has been raised. 23 Videoconference presents advantages over email or phone, but still restricts degrees of freedom with non-verbal communication and any lag in video/audio can influence free flow of conversation between people. These findings highlight the need for mixed models of care, where telehealth is delivered alongside traditional health care consultations and not in replacement.…”