AT&T Alascom technology takes virtual clinical services to rural Alaska TeleBehavioral Health Program Benefits Patients
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (April 28) - Representatives from AT&T Alascom and the Alaska
Psychiatric Institute (API) are holding a demonstration today of innovative mental
and behavioral health treatment services that are now available in parts of rural
Alaska thanks to a suite of new high-tech network services (see Editor's Note
below for details on the demonstration).
As part of the TeleBehavioral Health Program, AT&T Alascom provides API with a
high bandwidth Internet Protocol (IP) network, video teleconferencing equipment and
satellite connections enabling API health care providers to evaluate, diagnose
and treat patients via a high-quality video teleconference. The program uses
technology to extend the clinical services of the hospital to areas typically
not served by itinerant mental health professionals.
“The lack of services in remote communities necessitates travel to large
‘regional’ hub centers in order to obtain behavioral health care, which
is inconvenient and costly,” said Ron Adler, API director and CEO. “Furthermore,
traveling long distances to obtain treatment may compromise the integrity of
treatment for some disorders, since duration of treatment may be limited, and
treatment is delivered in a context that is remote from the individual's
environment.”
API currently provides TeleBehavioral Health services through sites in Galena, Ft.
Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska. Preparation is underway to provide services to
residents of the area served by Mount Sanford Tribal Consortium through two
clinics in Chistochina and Mentasta Lake. Plans to expand to eight additional
sites are currently being developed.
The technology provided by AT&T Alascom provides the capability to deliver a
precise, detailed picture of the patient. This allows the physician to detect
even the slightest change or variation in facial expressions, an important aspect
of treatment.
“Because of the quality of the network, we mix the audio and video signal in
such a way to give the licensed health care professional all they need to replicate
what happens in a face-to-face session. That is extremely important when it comes
to behavioral health treatment,” Adler said.
The network services now make it possible for patients in rural areas such as
Barrow, Galena, Metlakatla and Tanana to receive the treatment they need faster
while minimizing the need for travel. Some rural communities currently depend on
periodic visits by psychiatrists that may only occur three or four times a year and
can cost up to $10,000.
“We are pleased to see our technology used in a way that will benefit so many
Alaskans,” said Mike Felix, AT&T Alascom president. “Tele-behavioral
health not only provides more access to health care, but it provides continuity of
care for Alaskans in rural areas. This blend of technologies places Alaska at the
forefront of delivering telemedicine services to rural areas.”
A second demonstration of the technology will be made via a live satellite link from
Washington, D.C. to Galena, Alaska, at the Fourth Annual Summit of State Psychiatric
Hospital Superintendents on Tuesday, May 3.
About AT&T Alascom
AT&T Alascom is Alaska's oldest communication company providing service to every
community of Alaska. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T, which is a global
leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data
services.
Editor's Note: Demonstration of the TeleBehavioral Health Program, a service that links Alaska
Psychiatric Institute (API) to several rural Interior Alaska communities, will be
held Thursday, April 28, 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute,
located at 2900 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK. Participants include: Ron Adler,
Chief Executive Officer and Director, Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API); Dr. Wandal
Winn, Medical Coordinator for TeleBehavioral Health Program, API; Dr. R. Duane
Hopson, Medical Director, API; Trent Long, Product and Solutions Director,
AT&T Alascom.
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