Benefits and Challenges of Video Consulting for Mental Health Diagnosis and Follow-Up: A Qualitative Study in Community Care

Yusuf Sheikh, Ayesha Ali, Aya Khasati (), Alan Hasanic, Urvi Bihani, Raja Ohri, Keerthi Muthukumar and James Barlow
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Yusuf Sheikh: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Ayesha Ali: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Aya Khasati: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Alan Hasanic: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Urvi Bihani: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Raja Ohri: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Keerthi Muthukumar: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
James Barlow: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-12

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.

Keywords: mental health; telemedicine; general practice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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