Open AccessPatients’ acceptance of video consultations in the mental health services: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research
Author(s) -
Anne Marie Moeller,
Lone Fisker Christensen,
Jens Peter Hansen,
Pernille Tanggaard Andersen
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
digital health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 8
ISSN - 2055-2076
DOI - 10.1177/20552076221075148
Subject(s) - mental health , inclusion (mineral) , perception , qualitative research , perspective (graphical) , medicine , psychology , nursing , medical education , psychiatry , social psychology , computer science , social science , neuroscience , sociology , artificial intelligence
Background Clinical effectiveness of video consultations in the mental health services is comparable with in-person consultations. Acceptance has typically been rated in surveys that do not give a deeper understanding behind the phenomenon. The aim of this synthesis is to explore mental health patients’ perceptions of factors that influence their acceptance of video consultations viewed from the perspective of the patient.Methods A literature search in scientific databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed reports of qualitative research exploring patients’ experiences with video consultations from the patients’ perspectives were included. Then a meta-summary and a taxonomic analysis were conducted.Results A total of 11 reports met the inclusion criteria. Through the analysis, a model was generated with five factors that precede each other and interact with each other. Patients thought video consultations were acceptable when (1) they experienced barriers and inconvenience to accessing the location of services, (2) they had already established a trustful relationship with their therapist, (3) technical interferences were minor and problems were resolved quickly, (4) patients expected a less personal meeting, and (5) the degree of the patients’ issues were less complex.Discussion This model is intended to help clinicians identify circumstances where offering video consultations make best sense to patients and help sustain meaningful use prospectively. When patients encounter barriers to in-person services, clinicians should consider offering video consultations when the technology is adequately integrated in practice, and it is perceived not to intervene with treatment or the therapeutic process.