Mental health services for children and youth: a survey of physicians' knowledge, attitudes and use of telehealth services

Rural physicians in Ontario, whose practice included children, were surveyed on their awareness, attitudes and use of telemental health services for children and young people in their region. Of 95 rural physicians, 70 completed and returned the telehealth section of the survey (74% response rate). The survey comprised 14 questions. Only 27% of responders were aware of the available videoconferencing services. The proportion of physicians who reported having referred patients for the various mental health services through videoconferencing was 0-24%. The proportion of physicians who reported that they would refer patients through videoconferencing was 55-92%. Reduced travel time and care provided closer to home were seen as the primary benefits of referring patients to mental health services through videoconferencing. Unclear referral patterns and technology compromises were seen as limitations of referring patients to videoconferencing. Access to rural populations and improved access to patients were seen as benefits to practice, and undeveloped remuneration procedures as the primary limitation. Promotion may be important to successful implementation of telemental health services for children and young people.