Telepsychiatry readiness assessment at the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Soeharto Heerdjan Hospital, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: The Dr. Soeharto Heerdjan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, has deployed telepsychiatry since May 2022 to ensure continuity of care for its psychiatric patients. This model of service has not functioned optimally, owing to obstacles, including the absence of a registration officer, no designated consultation room, scheduling issues and challenges for patients or their representatives in using the telepsychiatry application. Objective: This study aimed to assess telepsychiatry readiness at Dr. Soeharto Heerdjan Hospital. Method: An observational survey was conducted in April–May 2022, with a sample of 40 members of the telepsychiatry workforce, using the Telehealth Readiness Assessment (TRA) tool. Five key domains of the TRA tool are associated with the successful implementation of telehealth, including core readiness, financial considerations, operations, staff engagement and patient readiness. This tool includes a questionnaire, scoring sheet, supporting guidance and additional resources. The overall readiness score is a weighted average of the concept scores included within each of the five domains. Results: Of 40 respondents, 72.5% were females and 42.5% were between 31 and 40 years. From the total of five domains of telepsychiatry readiness, the level of telepsychiatry readiness at Dr. Soeharto Heerdjan Hospital was 70.05% or a moderate level. Conclusion: Aspects of readiness that need to be improved include providing a workforce for telepsychiatry patient registration; drug delivery; scheduling; designated consultation rooms; user-friendly telepsychiatry applications and electronic media for information on telepsychiatry services.