Abstract
The exclusion of telehealth training and education in behavioral health degree programs contributes to the challenges in telehealth delivery. This qualitative study was designed to assess the impact of telehealth training during a behavioral health degree program on perceptions of providing telehealth services. Fifteen interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. A narrative inquiry approach was employed, allowing for the participants to use narrative story to describe and discuss experiences. Analysis revealed three themes: (1) facilitators for delivering telehealth services; (2) challenges encountered when delivering telehealth service; and (3) overall satisfaction with delivering telehealth services. Key facilitators for delivering telehealth services include training, intervention curriculum, and ongoing telehealth supervision. Barriers to telehealth service delivery included issues of telehealth operations and technology. Making telehealth training widely accessible, as opposed to a continuing education option, is essential to promoting the utilization of the treatment modality.
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Data Availability
Manuscript authors will provide a copy of the semi-structured interview guide upon request.
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This work was supported by funding from the Coalition for Research on Engagement and Well-Being, Overdeck Family Foundation, and Parson Foundation.
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All protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern California (USC).
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The authors have no commercial associations to disclose that might create a conflict of interest in connection with this submitted manuscript. This research was funded by the Overdeck Family Foundation, Parsons Foundation, and QueensCare Foundation.
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Traube, D.E., Cederbaum, J.A., Taylor, A. et al. Telehealth Training and Provider Experience of Delivering Behavioral Health Services. J Behav Health Serv Res 48, 93–102 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-020-09718-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-020-09718-0