Embracing Telepsychology: A New Era in Training
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of our lives, including how psychological services are delivered and how practitioners are trained. A recent study titled "Modified Training Experiences for Psychology Interns and Fellows During COVID-19: Use of Telepsychology and Telesupervision by Child and Adolescent Training Programs" sheds light on these changes and offers valuable insights for practitioners looking to enhance their skills in this new landscape.
Key Findings from the Study
The study surveyed 59 psychology training directors and 58 psychology trainees across pediatric sites in the United States. It found significant shifts in training practices due to the pandemic:
- Increased use of telepsychology for clinical service delivery, with 96.6% of training directors reporting its use by trainees.
- Widespread adoption of telesupervision, with most training directors utilizing video conferencing for supervisory oversight.
- Formal training in telepsychology was provided to 69.5% of trainees, although many reported self-learning as a primary method of acquiring skills.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, these findings highlight the importance of integrating telepsychology into training programs. Here are some actionable steps to consider:
- Incorporate Telepsychology Training: Programs should include formal telepsychology training in their curriculum. This could involve webinars, workshops, and hands-on practice with telehealth platforms.
- Utilize Telesupervision: Supervisors should leverage video conferencing to provide real-time feedback and guidance to trainees. This approach not only ensures compliance with training requirements but also offers insights into the unique challenges of telepsychology.
- Focus on Competency Development: Ensure that trainees are developing competencies in telepsychology, including ethical considerations, patient engagement, and technical proficiency.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the transition to telepsychology has presented challenges, such as reduced in-person training opportunities and potential impacts on trainee competency, it also offers unique opportunities. Telepsychology can improve access to care for patients in remote areas and provide trainees with diverse experiences that may not be available in traditional settings.
Encouraging Further Research
As telepsychology continues to evolve, ongoing research is crucial to understanding its impact on training and service delivery. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the original research paper for a deeper understanding of the study's findings and implications.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Modified Training Experiences for Psychology Interns and Fellows During COVID-19: Use of Telepsychology and Telesupervision by Child and Adolescent Training Programs.
