Telemedicine may be useful in the delivery of clinical psychology services
in the Highlands of Scotland, where geographical size and sociodemographic
factors can hinder service delivery. The Highlands have a population of 210
,000 at a density of approximately 8 people/km(2), one of the lowest in the
European Union. Despite a general lack of formal evaluation of telemedicin
e, especially in mental health, descriptive studies and patient satisfactio
n reports give grounds for optimism. There are several current applications
of telemedicine in the Highlands, including cognitive-behavioural therapy,
a comparative evaluation of neuropsychological assessments, and the treatm
ent of children and their families. The projects are being formally evaluat
ed and early results are encouraging.