Volume 28, Issue 5 (Iran South Med J 2026)
Iran South Med J 2026, 28(5): 850-863 |
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Amini B, Nourani A, Rahimi B. Implementing Telepsychiatry to Reduce Recur-rent Hospitalizations in Patients with Chronic Mental Disorders: A Policy Brief. Iran South Med J 2026; 28 (5) :850-863
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2453-en.html
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2453-en.html
1- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Department of Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2- Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Department of Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
3- Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Department of Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,bahlol.rahimi@umsu.ac.ir
Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Department of Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2- Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Department of Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
3- Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Department of Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,
Abstract: (144 Views)
Background: Chronic psychiatric disorders are associated with a substantial burden of disease, reduced quality of life, and frequent hospitalizations. High readmission rates indicate significant challenges in the continuity of care and access to psychiatric services, often influenced by structural factors such as poverty, limited service availability, and insurance-related barriers. This study aimed to examine the role of telepsychiatry in reducing recurrent hospitalizations among patients with chronic mental disorders and to identify policy options to improve access to care and continuity of services.
Methods: This policy brief was conducted using a targeted evidence synthesis approach and following the official WHO EMRO format. Data and findings from five relevant published studies on telepsychiatry were reviewed and analyzed.
Results: The evidence review indicates that the implementation of telepsychiatry is associated with a significant reduction in hospital readmissions, improved clinical outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, lower healthcare costs, and enhanced access to services—particularly in
underserved areas. Based on these findings, several key policy options are proposed: 1.Systematic integration of telepsychiatry services into the mental health service package and post‑discharge care. 2. Reducing access barriers and the digital divide through the development of technological infrastructure and support for disadvantaged populations. 3. Standardizing and ensuring the quality of telepsychiatry services in accordance with clinical guidelines and ethical frameworks. 4. Ensuring sustainable insurance coverage for telepsychiatry services. 5. Supporting large-scale, high-quality research to monitor outcomes and promote continuous program improvement.
Conclusion: Implementing these policy options can improve the quality of care, enhance equity in access to mental health services, reduce recurrent hospitalizations among patients with chronic psychiatric disorders, and strengthen overall health system performance.
Methods: This policy brief was conducted using a targeted evidence synthesis approach and following the official WHO EMRO format. Data and findings from five relevant published studies on telepsychiatry were reviewed and analyzed.
Results: The evidence review indicates that the implementation of telepsychiatry is associated with a significant reduction in hospital readmissions, improved clinical outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, lower healthcare costs, and enhanced access to services—particularly in
underserved areas. Based on these findings, several key policy options are proposed: 1.Systematic integration of telepsychiatry services into the mental health service package and post‑discharge care. 2. Reducing access barriers and the digital divide through the development of technological infrastructure and support for disadvantaged populations. 3. Standardizing and ensuring the quality of telepsychiatry services in accordance with clinical guidelines and ethical frameworks. 4. Ensuring sustainable insurance coverage for telepsychiatry services. 5. Supporting large-scale, high-quality research to monitor outcomes and promote continuous program improvement.
Conclusion: Implementing these policy options can improve the quality of care, enhance equity in access to mental health services, reduce recurrent hospitalizations among patients with chronic psychiatric disorders, and strengthen overall health system performance.
Keywords: Mental health, Telepsychiatry, Reduced rehospitalization, Chronic psychiatric disorders, Policy brief
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Policy Summary
Received: 2025/12/8 | Accepted: 2026/02/24 | Published: 2026/05/25
Received: 2025/12/8 | Accepted: 2026/02/24 | Published: 2026/05/25
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