When technology alone is not enough: A discussion of a struggling telepsychiatry project and lessons from model programs

Telemedicine programs, though popular and increasingly effective, can sometimes fail with little indication as to why they did not succeed. This study, in an effort to investigate a failed telepsychiatry program and explore the impact of technology, conducted a series of interviews with project staff and other individuals participating in telepsychiatry across the country. Results indicated that barriers related to technology were not a key factor in terms of failure or success. Instead, community, patient-based, and study-specific barriers were the most commonly cited issues that inhibited study recruitment and enrollment. Based on these findings, a series of recommendations are put forth for utilizing technology to address common barriers and increase the likelihood of success in telepsychiatry.