Acceptability and feasibility of telehealth as a training modality for trainee psychologist placements: a COVID-19 response study

Abstract

<b>Objective</b><br/> This study examined the extent to which telehealth placements are feasible for developing perceived competence as a psychologist and are an acceptable training modality for provisional psychologists. <br/><br/> <b>Method</b><br/> Fifteen provisional psychologists who undertook a postgraduate placement using telehealth completed an online survey. Acceptability and attitudes towards future telehealth service provision were assessed via Likert scales and open-ended questions. Feasibility was assessed via comparison using Wilcoxon Rank Signed tests of pre- and post-placement self-efficacy using the Psychology Counsellor Self-Efficacy Scale. Open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis. <br/><br/> <b>Results</b><br/> Participants reported high satisfaction with the telehealth placement. Perceived self-efficacy improved between pre- and post-placement on all competencies except for research. Students reported that a telehealth placement enabled them to improve in all areas, with particular benefits including rapport building, therapeutic questioning, and management of safety and ethical concerns. Challenges of a telehealth placement included assessing mental status, isolation from peers, and technical difficulties. Students reported positive attitudes towards future use of telehealth. <br/><br/> <b>Conclusions</b><br/> Telehealth appears to offer an acceptable, feasible and valuable training experience for developing competence for provisional psychologists. Undertaking a telehealth placement may help prepare clinicians for future use of telehealth, especially in relation to ethics and risk management.