Open AccessTelepsychiatry and other cutting‐edge technologies in COVID‐19 pandemic: Bridging the distance in mental health assistance
Author(s) -
Di Carlo Francesco,
Sociali Antonella,
Picutti Elena,
Pettorruso Mauro,
Vellante Federica,
Verrastro Valeria,
Martinotti Giovanni,
di Giannantonio Massimo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.756
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1742-1241
pISSN - 1368-5031
DOI - 10.1111/ijcp.13716
Subject(s) - telepsychiatry , mental health , social distance , loneliness , medicine , pandemic , telemedicine , social isolation , health care , public relations , covid-19 , internet privacy , psychiatry , computer science , political science , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law , disease , pathology
Abstract Background At the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) was identified in China. The high potential of human‐to‐human transmission led to subsequent COVID‐19 global pandemic. Public health strategies including reduced social contact and lockdown have been adopted in many countries. Nonetheless, social distancing and isolation could also represent risk factors for mental disorders, resulting in loneliness, reduced social support and under‐detection of mental health needs. Along with this, social distancing determines a relevant obstacle for direct access to psychiatric care services. The pandemic generates the urgent need for integrating technology into innovative models of mental healthcare. Aims In this paper, we discuss the potential role of telepsychiatry (TP) and other cutting‐edge technologies in the management of mental health assistance. We narratively review the literature to examine the advantages and risks related to the extensive application of these new therapeutic settings, along with the possible limitations and ethical concerns. Results Telemental health services may be particularly feasible and appropriate for the support of patients, family members and healthcare providers during this COVID‐19 pandemic. The integration of TP with other technological innovations (eg, mobile apps, virtual reality, big data and artificial intelligence (AI)) opens up interesting future perspectives for the improvement of mental health assistance. Conclusion Telepsychiatry is a promising and growing way to deliver mental health services but is still underused. The COVID‐19 pandemic may serve as an opportunity to introduce and promote, among numerous mental health professionals, the knowledge of the possibilities offered by the digital era.