Satisfaction increase and the cost of children and adolescents with Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder reduction: Effectiveness of telepsychiatry

Aim and

The present study investigates the effect of telepsychiatry on client’s satisfaction and costs children and adolescents with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity disorder.Methods and Materials: 60 patients admitted to psychiatric centers in Khomeini Shahr city in 1390 randomly were selected and were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. Participants in the experimental group (n = 30) with reference to two psychiatric centers, which Therefore in this city were equipped, with using video conference in Isfahan were visited by specialist Psychiatrist. Participants in the control group (n = 30) travel from their city to Isfahan in specialty psychiatric clinic were examined. After completing the intervention cost - benefit questionnaire, the patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed by their parents and themselves.

Analysis of the data from the patient satisfaction questionnaire, by the use of independent t-test, showed that the average tele-Client Satisfaction (3.28) compared with clients who have visited Isfahan (2/86) but the difference is not significant to generalize the population. So, the Cost - Benefit Analysis showed that the cost of the test group (1000) was lower than the control group (31500).

It seems that telepsychiatry has desirable effect on patient satisfaction and their costs. Due to poor distribution of specialist psychiatric in different regions, the use of this method can be the appropriate solution.