Assessing the Appropriateness of Mental Health Patients for Telehealth Care

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project developed an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) to address the inconsistent selection of patients for telepsychiatry services. Using the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model and evaluated through the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument, the project translated research findings into a practical tool for improving clinical decision-making. Telepsychiatry has been shown to produce outcomes comparable to in-person care for mild to moderate psychiatric conditions. However, without clear criteria, some patients with complex or high-acuity disorders are inappropriately scheduled for virtual visits, posing safety and quality risks. The CPG was informed by recent systematic reviews and clinical trials and refined through collaboration with psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), a psychiatrist, and administrative stakeholders. Expert reviewers scored the CPG highly across all AGREE II domains, with an overall rating of 95.7%, confirming its rigor and usability. Only minor revisions were recommended, including the addition of guardian consent and patient assent requirements for minors, and the development of staff training materials prior to implementation. The CPG is expected to enhance patient safety, clinician confidence, and organizational consistency in telepsychiatry. By establishing standardized, evidence-based criteria for virtual care, this project demonstrates how DNP-led initiatives can bridge the gap between evidence and practice to improve outcomes in mental health service delivery.