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Abstract:
Aim: Since the establishment of an independent Older Persons Mental Health Service (OPMHS) in 2010 within the Country Mental Health Services in South Australia, there has been a surge in the demand for telepsychiatry consultations. This study looks closely at the changes in patterns of utilisation over the years to better inform service growth and optimise delivery. Objective: - Describe utilisation patterns of telepsychiatry use by people above the age of 65 years over a two year period from January 2010 to December 2011 - Describe demographic details, co-morbid medical conditions, diagnosis and treatment recommendations of these patient cohorts - Postulate reasons for changes in utilisation with recommendations for the future development of a nascent service.
