Write a paper of 750 words for your proposed evidence-based practice project solution.

Title: Telehealth Services for Mental Health Care Improvement in Rural Areas

Introduction. Mental health disorders have become a global public health issue, with an alarming increase in their incidence. Nearly half of all adults in the United States experience a mental disorder each year. This is due to a variety of barriers including the lack access to mental healthcare in rural areas. Rural areas face many challenges such as a lack of access to mental health providers, transportation problems, and the stigma attached to mental illness. Telehealth has been proven to be a solution that can overcome barriers to accessing mental health services. In rural areas, the proposed project will implement telehealth to increase access to mental healthcare.

Background Telehealth refers to using telecommunications to provide health services including mental health services. Telehealth services can include mobile applications, videoconferencing, and remote monitoring. Telehealth services are an effective way to address mental health barriers in rural areas. The systematic review found that the telepsychiatry service delivered results comparable to those of traditional mental health care. Telehealth services are also shown to improve patient satisfaction and access, lower costs, increase provider efficiency, as well as reduce cost.

Problem: Telehealth is not widely used in rural areas, despite its proven benefits. Accessing mental healthcare services is difficult for rural populations due to unique obstacles. In a National Rural Health Association report, it was found that residents of rural areas have a limited number of providers who can provide mental health care. In rural areas, there is a shortage of providers of mental healthcare, which leads to long wait times. This can worsen mental conditions. Lack of transport makes it hard for rural residents access mental healthcare services. The stigma surrounding mental health is also a significant obstacle to mental healthcare in rural areas.

Solution: Implementing telehealth in rural regions to improve mental health access is the proposed solution. Telehealth will enable rural residents to get mental health care remotely without needing to travel. Telehealth services are implemented using a HIPAA-compliant secure video conferencing system that allows mental health care professionals to offer clinical services from a distance. Telehealth services will allow mental health providers to diagnose and treat disorders of the mind, as well as provide individual and group therapy and medication management.

The following are the steps of the proposed Implementation Plan.

Step 1: Needs assessment: To identify mental health needs in rural communities, a needs analysis will be performed. This will involve a literature review, interviews with stakeholders and surveys among rural residents. The assessment of needs will give important information about the mental disorders that are prevalent, mental health providers available, and barriers to mental care.

Step 2 Technology Selection. A process of technology selection is conducted in order to determine the best platform for mental healthcare services. It is important that the technology chosen be HIPAA compliant, secure, easy to use, and available for rural residents.

Step 3: Training for Providers: The selected telehealth service will be used to train mental health providers on how to use the platform. This training includes clinical guidelines that can help deliver services in the field of mental healthcare using telehealth.

Step 4 – Patient Education: Residents in rural areas will be educated on the benefits and availability of telehealth for mental healthcare. The education materials will also be shared through outreach programs in the community, social media platforms, and local events.

Step 5: Implementing Telehealth Services: Telehealth will be implemented in a pilot program to test its acceptability and effectiveness.