CNE Article

Providing Mental Health Care to Veterans in Rural Areas: Using Telehealth in Mobile Clinics

Stephanie D. Wynn, DNP, RN-BC, PMHNP-BC; Roy Ann Sherrod, DSN, RN, CNE, CNL

  • Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
  • June 2012 - Volume 50 · Issue 6: 22-28
  • DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20120508-01
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Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide information to improve the quality of care of veterans living in geographically isolated areas who require treatment for mental health issues. Because interactive care solutions are currently hot topics in the health care community, they should be viewed as possible strategies to meet the needs of this specialty group of veterans. An intervention using a mobile clinic and clinical video telehealth reduces distance barriers by making it possible for mental health specialists to come to rural veterans instead of the veteran attempting to find a way to get to the practitioner, who may be located in a clinic or hospital many miles away. This article focuses on an alternate strategy—telehealth in mobile clinics—as a possible solution to the mental health crisis of veterans in rural areas.

AUTHORS

Dr. Wynn is Clinical Assistant Professor, and Dr. Sherrod is Professor, The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.

Address correspondence to Stephanie D. Wynn, DNP, RN-BC, PMHNP-BC, Clinical Assistant Professor, The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing, Box 870358, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0358; e-mail: sdtubbs@ua.edu.

 

Received: September 26, 2011
Accepted: April 23, 2012
Posted: May 18, 2012

doi: 10.3928/02793695-20120508-01

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