Date of Award

2026

Degree Name

Healthcare Administration

College

College of Business

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Alberto Coustasse, Dr.PH. MD, MBA, MPH

Abstract

Purpose of study: This study examined the association between tele-psychiatry implementation and mental health service availability in rural healthcare settings. The analysis compared tele-psychiatry to traditional in-person psychiatric care among rural populations, focusing on access and utilization outcomes, including time to first psychiatric appointment, number of completed visits, and appointment no-show rates.

Methods: A qualitative literature review following a systematic approach was conducted using peer-reviewed articles published between 2016-2026. Databases included PubMed, ProQuest Health, CINAHL, Journal of Medical Internet Research, and the National Library of Medicine, with Google Scholar used as a supplemental source. The review followed PRISMA guidelines for study identification, screening, and selection. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining tele-psychiatry in rural populations and reporting outcomes related to access and utilization. A total of 30 studies were included in the final analysis. Additionally, a semi-structured interview with a psychiatric medical director provided qualitative insights to contextualize the findings.

Results: Findings suggested that tele-psychiatry use was associated with shorter time to first psychiatric appointments compared to traditional in-person care. Evidence also indicated higher rates of completed psychiatric visits and lower no-show rates among tele-psychiatric populations. Increased service use and improved follow-up engagement were consistently reported across multiple studies. Despite these associations, disparities in tele-health adoption between rural and urban settings remained evident, with rural populations experiencing lower overall access to tele-psychiatry services.

Discussion/Implications: The findings suggested that tele-psychiatry was associated with improved access and use of mental health services in rural healthcare settings. However, persistent disparities in implementation showed the need for targeted policy and infrastructure development to expand equitable access. Quantitative interview findings were consistent with the literature, highlighting both operational benefits and ongoing barriers. Future research should further examine long-term outcomes and strategies to reduce disparities in tele-psychiatry adoption.

Subject(s)

Health services administration.

Health facilities -- Business management.

Medical telematics.

Telecommunication in medicine.

Psychiatry.

Rural health services.

Mental health services.

Medicine, Rural.

Health services accessibility.

West Virginia.

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