The Reliability of Telepsychiatry for a Neuropsychiatric Assessment

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), an examination that relies on visual judgments, can be reliably measured via video conferencing equipment. METHODS: AIMS scores were assessed by two independent raters in face-to-face contact with the subject and two raters observing remotely via audio-visual transmission. We determined inter-rater reliabilities using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). We assessed if the condition of the rater influenced the ICC. We distinguished between whether the rater was physically in the room with the subject or was connected via video. We then statistically compared the differences between these conditions. RESULTS: There were no significant statistical differences between the raters, which could be attributed to the condition while assessing involuntary movements using the AIMS instrument. Regardless of whether this assessment was conducted by direct observation or via video conferencing equipment, the results were reliable to the same degree. CONCLUSION: Reliable neuropsychiatric assessments can be conducted using telemedicine even if primarily visual input is evaluated.