Technology as a means to address disparities in mental health research: A guide to “tele-tailoring” your research methods.

Abstract

We must include rural participants in health-related research if we are to address health-related disparities and inequity, particularly in mental health. However, the first step of the research process, in person, witnessed, signed informed consent is often a limiting factor and insurmountable barrier to precisely the type of research (e.g., telehealth) designed to overcome barriers of geographic distance and travel time. Telehealth, or the provision of medical care or services to patients by means of audio/video and procedure-specific technology, addresses some barriers to health created by rurality by making health care professionals more accessible to patients. A logical complement to telehealth is "teleconsent." Teleconsent can be defined as using remote, facial integrated identity verification to allow (a) remote guidance of participants through consent documents, and (b) digital signing by all parties, obviating the need for in person signed consent. The ability to review and sign consent documents via telehealth with synchronous viewing is a novel, innovative means by which to overcome the initial significant barrier to recruitment of rural participants into healthcare research. By leveraging the growing capabilities of telehealth, teletailoring studies can improve the efficiency of research recruitment and facilitate the consent process for under-represented populations in research. Strategies for implementation are clearly relevant to increasing the success of clinical trial recruitment.

Electronic consenting for conducting research remotely: A review of current practice and key recommendations for using e-consenting

“…Finally, the reported demographics of included studies showed a prevalence of educated, white female participants [ 39 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 50 , 53 , 55 ]. Whilst this is a representative reflection of current research practice, the recommendations for best practice generated from this review allow the opportunity for future widespread integration of a standardised e-consent process [ 75 , 76 ] that could facilitate improved diversity in research and subsequently enable further exploration of e-consent use in underrepresented populations.…”

Considerations and Future Directions for Conducting Clinical Research With Pediatric Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Furthermore, e-Consenting frameworks can be bolstered by teleconsent. While viewing the e-Consent materials in real time, potential participants and their parents/guardians may complete informed assent and consent with research staff over the phone ( López et al., 2018 ; Welch et al., 2016 ). Once completed, designated research support staff and the participants can be emailed a secure PDF of the signed assent/consent for their records.…”

Health Inequalities in the Use of Telehealth in the United States in the Lens of COVID-19

“…O ne key factor in reducing health disparities is to increase access to health care services, particularly among vulnerable and underrepresented populations such as ethnic minorities and residents living in rural or provider shortage areas. 1 Shortage areas are identified as areas with too few primary care, dental, and mental health care providers or services. In the United States, 81 million people live in primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and 120 million people live in mental health care HPSAs.…”