A systematic review of providers’ attitudes toward telemental health via videoconferencing

Abstract

Telemental health conducted via videoconferencing (TMH-V) has the potential to improve access to care, and providers’ attitudes toward this innovation play a crucial role in its uptake. This systematic review examined providers’ attitudes toward TMH-V through the lens of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Findings suggest that providers have positive overall attitudes toward TMH-V despite describing multiple drawbacks. Therefore, the relative advantages of TMH-V, such as its ability to increase access to care, may outweigh its disadvantages, including technological problems, increased hassle, and perceptions of impersonality. Providers’ attitudes may also be related to their degree of prior TMH-V experience, and acceptance may increase with use. Limitations and implications of findings for implementation efforts are discussed.