Implementation of telepsychiatry in limited-resource settings: A perspective from Burkina Faso. (Preprint)

Résumé fourni par la source

BACKGROUND Access to mental health services in limited-resource settings such as Burkina Faso remains a major challenge, particularly in rural areas where there is a shortage of specialized personnel and infrastructure constraints. Telepsychiatry, a subset of telemedicine, offers a potential solution by facilitating the delivery of psychiatric care remotely. OBJECTIVE This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of mental health professionals in limited-resource settings, based on Burkina Faso's case. It regards telepsychiatry and identifies key factors for successful implementation METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between February and September 2024 among 104 mental health professionals in several mental health centers in Burkina Faso. The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi. Data were collected via structured questionnaires distributed via Kobo Collect, which assessed participants' sociodemographic characteristics, familiarity with telepsychiatry, attitudes, and perceived barriers to its adoption. RESULTS The study achieved a 100% response rate. The result found that 64.42% of respondents had a good awareness of telepsychiatry, while 51.92% expressed a positive attitude towards its deployment. However, significant concerns regarding data security were raised, with 52.88% expressing apprehensions regarding confidentiality. Telepsychiatry practices were largely limited to telephone consultations (52.88%), with infrastructural and technological limitations identified as the main barriers to wider adoption. CONCLUSIONS Telepsychiatry is generally well received by mental health professionals in limited-resource settings such as Burkina Faso, but its successful implementation requires overcoming critical barriers such as infrastructure deficiencies, training gaps, and data privacy concerns. The findings highlight the need for targeted investments in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and training to ensure the successful adoption of telepsychiatry.

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