An Evaluation of Knowledge and Interest of Junior?Residents in Telepsychiatry: A Nationwide Survey
Abstract: Background: Telepsychiatry has emerged as an important modality for delivering mental healthcare services, particularly in resource-limited and geographically inaccessible areas. Despite increasing utilization of telepsychiatry in India, limited evidence exists regarding the knowledge, clinical exposure, and training needs of psychiatry residents. Aim: To assess the knowledge and interest in telepsychiatry among psychiatry residents across India. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among psychiatry residents pursuing MD, DNB, and Diploma courses across India. A semi-structured Knowledge, Clinical Experience and Competency, Interest, and Pedagogic Training (KCIP) questionnaire was administered using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 150 psychiatry residents participated in the study. Most participants (92%) considered telepsychiatry essential for mental healthcare delivery, and 80% preferred video consultations over other modalities. Awareness regarding telepsychiatry operational guidelines was observed in 56% of respondents. Only 41% reported adequate clinical exposure, while 34.7% reported sufficient academic exposure to telepsychiatry during residency. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) felt confident practicing telepsychiatry independently after residency. Importantly, 92% expressed the need for formal telepsychiatry training during postgraduate education. Conclusion: Psychiatry residents demonstrate positive attitudes toward telepsychiatry; however, limited academic and clinical exposure highlights the need for structured telepsychiatry training within residency curricula.
Keywords: Telepsychiatry, Junior residents, Telemedicine, Knowledge Assessment, Digital Psychiatry, Psychiatry Training
How to Cite?: Nevedita Das, Narayana Manjunatha, Suresh Bada Math, C Naveen Kumar, Chethan B, "An Evaluation of Knowledge and Interest of Junior?Residents in Telepsychiatry: A Nationwide Survey", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1335-1339, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26520212614, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26520212614