| Popis: |
The use of telecommunication links in health care provision is a rapidly developing field. However, there is concern that as technology advances, teleconsultation will be seen as the method of choice without adequate research as to its efficacy. Preliminary evidence suggests that cognitive assessment of adult psychiatric patients could be reliably carried out using videoconferencing equipment. This study was designed to evaluate the use of videoconferencing for cognitive assessment of individuals with a history of alcohol abuse. Participants were given a range of cognitive assessments, each with two parallel forms. One of the forms was given via the video link and the other face-to-face. All participants were assessed using both mediums and the order of presentation of each form was counterbalanced across participants. Participant satisfaction with videoconferencing was also assessed. The results are discussed with reference to potential developments and limitations of telecommunication links in a rural health care setting. |
