ARTICLE

Details on article



Id 2357
Author Sheikh Y.; Ali A.; Khasati A.; Hasanic A.; Bihani U.; Ohri R.; Muthukumar K.; Barlow J.
Title Benefits and Challenges of Video Consulting for Mental Health Diagnosis and Follow-Up: A Qualitative Study in Community Care
Reference

Sheikh Y.; Ali A.; Khasati A.; Hasanic A.; Bihani U.; Ohri R.; Muthukumar K.; Barlow J. Benefits and Challenges of Video Consulting for Mental Health Diagnosis and Follow-Up: A Qualitative Study in Community Care,International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20 3

Keywords Adult; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Humans; Mental Health; Pandemics; Qualitative Research; Referral and Consultation; United Kingdom; community care; COVID-19; health services; health worker; mental health; perception; qualitative analysis; adult; diagnosis; epidemiology; human; mental health; pandemic; patient referral; qualitative research
Link to article https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85147801583&doi=10.3390%2fijerph20032595&partnerID=40&md5=a44310d20dfa97a774a10a05892ac795
Abstract Mental health services continue to experience rising demand that exceeds capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis, with access to services being reduced. Although video consultations (VCs) are a solution, usage in UK community mental healthcare settings remains limited. This study aims to investigate psychiatrists’ and general practitioners’ (GPs) perceptions of the benefits and challenges of VC for the diagnosis and follow-up of general adult mental health patients in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews in NHS community mental healthcare settings were conducted. Psychiatrists (n = 11) and GPs (n = 12) were recruited through purposive sampling. An explorative qualitative approach was employed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four key themes were identified: (1) patient access to VC, (2) suitability of VC for mental health consultations, (3) information gathering with VC and (4) clinician satisfaction with VC. This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of psychiatrists and GPs working in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. To facilitate a digital-first future for the NHS, greater investment in remote technologies is required, particularly in the context of growing mental healthcare demand. Though face-to-face consultations remain the gold standard, VC provides an efficient way of communicating with patients, particularly those with less severe forms of mental illness. © 2023 by the authors.

Metodology

DOI 10.3390/ijerph20032595
Search Database Scopus
Technique
Similar articles Analyze the document