7 Challenges of Telemental Health and How to Overcome Them?

1. The Seven Challenges of Telemental Health and How to Overcome Them?

2. Telemental Health Landscape in India The field of telemental healthcare received an upswing this year, with the central government's launch of the National Tele-Mental Health Program (NTMPH). The launch is an encouraging change in following of the COVID epidemic. Refusing to participate in social networks, being forced into isolation, the loss of loved ones, and being threatened with losing work security are all post-COVID issues that have had devastating psychological impacts. But, mental health problems are not only personal problems. Studies have shown that there is a significant link between mental health problems and the economic health of a country.

3. Challenges of Telemental Health 1. Privacy One of the most significant challenges in utilizing the telemental health system is privacy. Although privacy is an essential element in all medical appointments, however, when it comes to mental health concerns there is a lot of social stigmas that are associated with the practice. If someone chooses to contact a mental health professional to seek help, it usually happens in a discreet manner. The lack of an area that is private is an issue considering that the majority of Indian families have a joint family system. An area that is secure and safe is essential in order to make sure that patients are able to access telemental health services in full.

4. 2. Preference for in-person care Despite the accessibility of online care, there are some who prefer to receive care in person. This is due to the fact that mental health problems are more vulnerable. Being able to share your concerns in the presence of another can provide the warmth of human interaction, whereas the virtual meeting may appear distant and cold. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of people are forced to remain in a setting that could lead to mental health decline. In-person, the care provider ensures patients are part of a supportive group, and in a place that is accepting of their concerns. This is a preference that comes at the expense of patients utilizing mental health services, as well as the telemental health professionals.

5. 3. Digital Literacy and Networking Issues Utilizing telemental health apps means that patients require an understanding of technology. India particularly faces a large demographic of digitally challenged people, which amounts to 80 percent out of 1.4 billion individuals. Digital literacy can get hindering the effective application of health telemedicine services. Another issue that is glaring is connectivity. While there is an equivalent of 81.3 percent of the population, the access rate for India remains at 47% by 2021. This means that over fifty percent of India's population do lack access to the Internet. Since most telemental health care services are delivered via the web, a significant percentage of people are not able to access it because of the low connectivity.

6. 4. Strategies to Overcome the Challenges The issues facing the telemedicine sector in the implementation of its services are usually wide. Here are some strategies that we can employ to overcome the obstacles. 5. Awareness and Education on mental health A country in the developing world such as India comes with its very own social stigmas in relation to mental health problems. Superstitions and myths hinder accurate diagnostics and treatments. Inspiring awareness through programs to everyone of all ages as well as introducing mental health-related issue awareness in the curriculum of schools and dispelling the myths that surround mental health care can assist in tackling this issue to a great extent.

7. 6. Better Connectivity India is a country in transition and is still advancing towards a fully connected society. Connecting better networks is a slow and slow process but it could lead to substantial transformations. With improved connectivity, mental health services are able to reach people in remote locations and those who have mobility limitations.

8. 7. Digital literacy The statistics on digital literacy in India as previously mentioned are not encouraging. Although there are plenty of smartphone users according to the stats not many are proficient in anything other than the essential functions. The inclusion of digital literacy in the curriculum at school and using social channels to connect with the elderly population can improve the level of digital literacy. It is crucial to take advantage of the most advanced features of electronic health care.

9. Telemedicine App Development for Telemental Health Telemedicine applications are software built especially for dispersing virtual medical care. It is a multifaceted application that is intended for multiple types of users. It has particular interfaces for patients, doctors, healthcare staff, pharmaceuticals, and administrative staff. Each interface has its functionalities, all of which when working in tandem provide a seamless user experience. Building a telemedicine app is a significant business step. Here we discussed the seven challenges of Telemental health and how to overcome them. Kindly request a free demo of any custom requirement of the Telemedicine app at EMed HealthTech.

10. 079 48001671 www.emedhealthtech.com info@emedhealthtech.com