17. PSYPACT - Outpatient Telepsychology

CONTINUING EDUCATION 

If you are a psychologist or social worker and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: 

https://learn.findempathy.com/courses/outpatient

 

To find out more about all our CE courses visit: https://learn.findempathy.com.

 

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe relevant patient privacy protections and compliance requirements when using technology to deliver telepsychology services with neurologic, medical, or disability populations.
2. Identify at least 2 ways to ensure confidentiality and privacy during outpatient individual or group telepsychology visits. 
3. Describe at least 3 strengths or ways telepsychology has reduced barriers for neurologic, medical, or disability populations, AND 3 barriers that should be examined by the practicing psychologist prior to initiating use of technology.
4. Describe technical, ethical, legal, and diagnosis specific clinical considerations that should be examined and identified prior to initiating outpatient telepsychology or teleneuropsychological assessment.

 

PODCAST SUMMARY

As of July 2022, 34 States have enacted PsyPact legislation with 31 fully effective participating states.  After COVID-19, the participation of states and professionals in PsyPact grew considerably and continues to expand across the country.  

 

The ability to use telepsychology to practice across state lines and expand practice has brought many benefits for patients and providers. However, there are distinct and vital competencies, ethics, and standards that must be addressed, implemented, and maintained. This is particularly true for telepsychology practices (including virtual neuropsychological assessments) with neurologic, medical, and disability populations. Although this technology can break down transportation and geographic barriers, some individuals may require additional assistance to properly utilize telepsychology services.

The PsyPact Bundle is a continuing education podcast course series in which we look at the various advantages and requirements of telepsychology for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups. This course will cover:

• Available research and literature on telepsychology's application for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups
• Telepsychology's use in outpatient care 
• Use of technology to increase mental health access for inpatient rehabilitation units and the medical ICU. 
• How family and care partner participation may be boosted with telepsychology
  
  

Topics covered in this series will meet the criteria needed to satisfy PsyPact requirements, and APA/ASPPB/APAIT telepsychology guidelines. Specifically, established research, clinical cases, and lessons learned will be presented to cover the following topics:

• Ensure Competence of the Psychologist to utilize and practice telepsychology and/or tele-neuropsychology
• Standards of Care in the Delivery of Telepsychology Services in Rehabilitation and Neurologic Populations
• Informed Consent of Patient, especially when considering patients with cognitive impairment or dysfunction
• Ensuring Confidentiality of D