The Provision of a Telepsychology Service to Shetland: Client and Therapist Satisfaction and the Ability to Develop a Therapeutic Alliance

Abstract

We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of videoconferencing as a means of providing a clinical psychology service in the Shetland Islands. A general practitioner was equipped with a desktop PC-based system connected to a mainland hospital videoconferencing system by ISDN at 128 kbit/s. Qualitative methods were used to assess user satisfaction, the ability to form a therapeutic relationship and client improvement. Over one year, 10 patients (eight female, two male) participated in the videoconferencing therapy sessions. The psychologist and all but one of the clients were highly satisfied with the videoconferencing therapy sessions. The clients were able to develop a positive therapeutic relationship with the psychologist and all reported some improvement from therapy. The results showed that videoconferencing is a feasible and acceptable means of providing therapy to patients in remote areas.