Reflections on Technology Use in Psychiatry in the Last 30 years-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The talk entitled "Reflections on Technology Use in Psychiatry in the Last 30 Years" is a discussion that includes Dora Wang, John Lowe, and Seth Palser, all of whom have extensive experience in integrating technology with psychiatric practice. The discourse covers the impact of technology over decades, specifically electronic health records (EHRs), telepsychiatry, digital therapeutics, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).<br /><br />In the past, psychiatry focused significantly on doctor-patient relationships, with fewer medications and a reluctance to adopt technologies such as telepsychiatry, which was initially opposed by the APA. However, technological advancements now allow for efficient patient engagement through telepsychiatry. The conversation reflects on how technology facilitates connections, making visits convenient, yet sometimes lacks the face-to-face interactions critical for nuanced assessments.<br /><br />As technology becomes integral, the speakers emphasize the importance of responsibly navigating issues like privacy in EHRs and adapting digital therapeutics. They acknowledge the doctor-patient relationship as vital, underscoring that technology should augment, not replace, this dynamic. In the future, the role of AI and VR in therapy is anticipated to grow, but the necessity for belief in their efficacy is emphasized. There exists a concern about the environmental impact of emerging technologies, highlighting that despite technological utility, considerations about power consumption remain vital. Overall, while embracing technology is essential, this session places profound value on maintaining deep, personal therapeutic relationships.

Keywords

Technology in Psychiatry

Electronic Health Records

Telepsychiatry

Digital Therapeutics

Artificial Intelligence

Virtual Reality

Doctor-Patient Relationships

Privacy

Therapeutic Relationships

Emerging Technologies

Environmental Impact

Patient Engagement

Psychiatric Practice