Mental health services for Nunavut children and youth: evaluating a telepsychiatry pilot project.
BACKGROUND
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.
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. tiziana.volpe@sickkids.ca.
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Volpe
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. katherine.boydell@sickkids.ca.
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Boydell
555 University Avenue. antonio.pignatiello@sickkids.ca.
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Pignatiello
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D003219:Confidentiality; D054521:Cultural Competency; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020957:Nunavut; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*