ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study examines the delivery of psychiatric consultation services using videoconferencing technology to health and mental health workers in the Nunavut territory of Canada. The research provides insights into the TeleLink Mental Health Program and the delivery of professional-to-professional program consultations and continuing education seminars. METHODS: Participant observation of 12 program consultations and four continuing education sessions was conducted. Individual interviews were conducted with the consulting psychiatrist and the lead program coordinator in Nunavut. As well, a focus group was held with Nunavut workers who participated in the televideo sessions. RESULTS: The study found a number of factors that facilitated or hindered the process and content of a consultation-based telepsychiatry program and its effect on building capacity among frontline staff. Four main themes emerged related to the delivery of psychiatric services via televideo: gaining access, ensuring culturally appropriate services, providing relevant continuing education, and offering stable and confidential technology. CONCLUSIONS: Live interactive videoconferencing technology is an innovative and effective way of delivering specialized mental health services to professionals working in remote areas of Nunavut. Study results provide important strategies for expanding this approach to other jurisdictions in Nunavut and other Inuit regions.
Subject(s)
Mental Disorders/therapy , Mental Health Services/organization & administration , Telemedicine/organization & administration , Adolescent , Child , Child Psychiatry , Confidentiality , Cultural Competency , Education, Medical, Continuing/organization & administration , Female , Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Nunavut , Patient Satisfaction , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe a methodology of assessing preschoolers involved in firesetting incidents, and outline the psychiatric implications of firesetting incidents in young children. METHOD: To outline The Arson Prevention Program for Children and present case vignettes. RESULTS: The heightened risk of burn injury or fatality in fires caused by young children is highlighted and practical suggestions for facilitating the immediate safety of the child and family are presented. CONCLUSION: Despite the popular notion that fire interest and play is relatively benign in young children, the cases show that, as with older children, firesetting in preschoolers can be associated with serious child and/or family psychopathology.
