How to Build, Evaluate, and Increase Your e-Mental Health Program Efficiency

Objective: This chapter discusses the prioritization of outcomes and evaluation in the provision of synchronous telemedicine (i.e., videoconferencing, STM) services. Methods: This organizational approach may be a shift from seeing what happens with planned services to planning the outcomes and then designing the services—in advance. Results: Basic and advanced areas of evaluation (e.g., satisfaction, technology, cost, clinical and other outcomes) are suggested and involve the many participants in STM in a systematic framework. It also offers suggestions on how to do a needs assessment and how to adjust priorities based on specific needs and available resources in a program. Examples of project improvement apply ideas from theory to clinical and other associated outcomes. References and resources of information are provided for further review. Conclusion: The readers acquire knowledge, skill, and a framework to improve existing programs and help their many participants.