Biofeedback Via Telehealth: A New Frontier for Applied Psychophysiology

Authors

Raymond A. Folen, Center of Excellence in Professional Psychology, Department of Psychology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
Larry C. James, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
Jay E. Earles, Center of Excellence in Professional Psychology, Department of Psychology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
Frank Andrasik, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2001

Comments

Published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, Vol. 26, No. 3, 2001.

Abstract

Psychophysiological diagnostic and therapeutic methods, to include biofeedback, have been found to be empirically effective in the treatment of a variety of physical disorders. In many areas of the country, however, certified biofeedback practitioners are not well distributed, limiting patient access to this treatment modality. Psychologists at Tripler Army Medical Center have pioneered efforts to develop and provide these needed services via a telehealth venue. Such capability significantly improves access to care, particularly for patient’s located at considerable distance from the provider. As the telecommunications infrastructure in rural and remote areas is often quite basic, such a system must be capable of operating within these limited parameters. The system developed by the authors provides real-time video and audio interactivity and allows the therapist to monitor and control biofeedback equipment located at the remote site. The authors discuss the clinical applications, the technology, and relevant practical and ethical issues.