The importance of cultural awareness when planning and implementing telepsychiatric services in rural and remote areas

Abstract

<p><i>Introduction</i>: Increasing populations and an increasing incidence of mental health problems challenge many developing countries, including Ghana. Long distances, financial limitations, lack of mental health personnel, and pessimism about the effectiveness of treatment, make it difficult for people to access help. In 2011, only 0.3% of Ghana’s 25 million population received psychiatric services.</p>

<p>Telepsychiatry has become an important component of rural health care, especially in the developing world, contributing to improvements in various conditions and populations. Cultural factors influence how comfortable patients are with telepsychiatric services. Considering cultural factors when planning and implementing telepsychiatric services may contribute to the success of these services and thereby increase service utilization in underserved rural and remote populations.</p>