Q3: Taking into account the changing demographics of our society (e.g., aging population, ethnic diversity), how would you forge effective alliances with other organizations and disciplines to promote APA's science and practice expertise?
Eager to ensure that psychologists take a lead in serving diverse people in the evolving health-care climate, I will:
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Foster collaborations to champion a science-oriented practice agenda that capitalizes on changing demographics vis-à-vis implementing and disseminating patient- and family-centered, preventive, integrated health services.
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Form an interdisciplinary workgroup that 1) conducts a needs assessment analyzing relationships among changing demographics, health and behavioral health needs, and preventive-interventions; and 2) recommends culturally relevant, evidence-based strategies that advance an interdisciplinary, collaborative, coordinated care model.
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Forge interorganizational, interdisciplinary alliances focused on health care for our diverse nation that endure beyond my presidency.
Q4: Given the growing importance and impact of technology on psychological practice and the positioning of psychotherapy and other psychological treatments, assessment and other services in health-care reform, what do you envision as an appropriate role for the association on these issues?
It is imperative that APA become a telepsychology leader by:
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Prioritizing the significance of technology, attending to legal, regulatory and ethical concerns; access; and type of practice.
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Developing standards or guidelines for telepsychology in applied areas and education and training.
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Educating members about appropriate uses of electronically mediated services.
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Promoting technology initiatives within each directorate.
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Lobbying for grant funding related to telepsychology.
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Contributing to the knowledge base on methods to enhance communication in telehealth.
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Seeking consultation to achieve optimal interactive technology that facilitates communication among constituencies and with the public.
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Partnering with health-care organizations to advance technologically based practice.