Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
Spring 4-28-2025
Upload Date
04/30/2025
First Advisor
Kristie Givens
Second Advisor
Mary Newkirk
Abstract
More than half of adults with mental illness in the United States live in mental health deserts—geographic areas with limited access to mental health services and persistent barriers to care. This study investigates the impact of telehealth implementation on patient no-show rates at a rural community clinic in Georgia. The aim was to determine whether the use of telehealth for psychiatric care would decrease the no-show rate of mental health appointments. A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient attendance logs collected 12 weeks before and after the implementation of telehealth services. Quantitative data were analyzed using a Pearson correlation to assess relationships between no-show rates, and a paired-sample t-test was performed to determine improvements in no-show rates before and after telehealth was introduced. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in no-show rates, with a 7.2% decrease following the introduction of telehealth. This suggests that telehealth can be an effective strategy for decreasing no-shows and increasing attendance at the project site. It supports the integration of telehealth into routine clinical care, especially in underserved and rural communities. Offering both in-person and virtual visit options can improve access to care, provide greater flexibility for patients, decrease transportation, work, and stigma-related barriers. Given the ongoing need for mental health support and the shortage of providers, further research is recommended to explore other influencing factors affecting patients' missed appointments and to maximize the full potential of telehealth's impact on mental health outcomes.
Keywords: Telehealth, no-show, rural, psychiatric
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Palmer, Lavern, "Improving Access to Mental Health Care Using Telehealth" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 113.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/113
