Date Approved

2006

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

Ellen Koch, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Richard Amdur, PhD

Committee Member

David Richard, PhD

Abstract

Telemedicine systems use telecommunications technology to provide health care services to clients with distance barriers to providers. This is relevant for America’s veterans who require services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but find that these specialty services are not always available locally. This study compared a face-to-face (FTF) Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) interview and a videoconferencing (VTC) administration of the CAPS. Participants were 20 male veterans referred to a veteran’s affairs center for a PTSD assessment. Correlations between assessments ranged from .74 - .92, and statistical equivalence was demonstrated at 90% confidence intervals. Sensitivity of the VTC interview was found to be 94%, and specificity was found to be 33% as compared with the FTF criterion. Additional analyses indicated that a working alliance was established with VTC, and the majority of veterans reported satisfaction with the VTC method and would utilize this technology for service barriers.

Comments

Additional committee member: Flora Hoodin, PhD

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