Putting recommendations into practice: Improving psychological services in rural and northern Canada.

Abstract

Recent publications (i.e., Chodos, 2017;Peachy, Hicks, & Adams, 2013) have made many recommendations for improving access to psychological services for all Canadians but lack a focus on rural and northern (R&N) populations. Limited access to psychologists' expertise is demonstrable in R&N regions, where resources are particularly strained. This article examines the recommendations through the lens of the R&N psychologist, including those that aim to change existing service delivery models and increase funding. The authors highlight the unique challenges (e.g., recruitment and retention of professionals) and opportunities (e.g., a history of maximizing limited resources) inherent to R&N psychological practice in Canada. We also suggest strategic maximization of current resources (e.g., use of technology to reach remote locations, increased use of stepped care models) alongside a much needed increase of overall support for psychological service provision in R&N areas, particularly among Indigenous communities; we strongly encourage cultural sensitivity and local consultation prior to implementation of psychological services within Indigenous communities.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Workers at the Frontline: A Survey of Canadian Social Workers

“…Our study, however, identified numerous challenges faced by social workers following the rapid transition to virtual care. One major barrier experienced by some of our participants had to do with limited access to high to stable high-speed Internet for those residing in rural and remote communities ( Lints-Martindale et al , 2018 ; Baylak et al , 2020 ). Despite some improvements over the last decade ( Jong et al , 2019 ), achieving social work’s grand challenge to improve practice innovation ( Berzin et al , 2015 ) through technology requires further commitment by policy makers to ensure equitable access to consistent high-speed Internet access rural and remote geographical regions ( Lints-Martindale et al , 2018 ; Baylak et al , 2020 ).…”

“…One major barrier experienced by some of our participants had to do with limited access to high to stable high-speed Internet for those residing in rural and remote communities ( Lints-Martindale et al , 2018 ; Baylak et al , 2020 ). Despite some improvements over the last decade ( Jong et al , 2019 ), achieving social work’s grand challenge to improve practice innovation ( Berzin et al , 2015 ) through technology requires further commitment by policy makers to ensure equitable access to consistent high-speed Internet access rural and remote geographical regions ( Lints-Martindale et al , 2018 ; Baylak et al , 2020 ). Additionally, our participants have expressed great concerns about the adaptations of social work practice to virtual care so as not to negate the relational nature of social work practice.…”

The Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s Family Health Teams during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…When asked about the anticipated future of virtual care, participants in our study expressed concerns that virtual care will continue for some patients, yet connectivity difficulties in certain geographical regions will create access barriers for other patients. Limited access to stable high-speed internet may disadvantage patients residing in rural and remote communities ( Baylak et al 2020 ; Lints-Martindale et al 2018 ). Despite some improvements over the past decade ( Jong et al 2019 ), commitment by policy makers to ensure equitable access to consistent high-speed internet access in rural and remote geographical regions is needed to sustain virtual care ( Baylak et al 2020 ; Lints-Martindale et al 2018 ).…”

“…Limited access to stable high-speed internet may disadvantage patients residing in rural and remote communities ( Baylak et al 2020 ; Lints-Martindale et al 2018 ). Despite some improvements over the past decade ( Jong et al 2019 ), commitment by policy makers to ensure equitable access to consistent high-speed internet access in rural and remote geographical regions is needed to sustain virtual care ( Baylak et al 2020 ; Lints-Martindale et al 2018 ). Moreover, protocols and guidelines developed in the primary care team context can help shape the future of virtual care so that the delivery of care aligns with patients' care needs.…”

Being Uncertain: Rural-Living Cardiac Patients’ Experience of Seeking Health Care

“…However, these types of programs tend to be costly (Anderson et al, 2017) and are not available in all rural areas (Turk-Adawi et al, 2014). Additional barriers to telehealth in rural areas include limited access to highspeed internet (Lints-Martindale et al, 2018) and lack of provider utilization (Taylor et al, 2015).…”