Citation

Michaels TI, Singal S, Marcy P, Hauser M, Braider L, Guinart D, Kane JM. J. Psychiatr. Res. 2022; 151: 1-7.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.035

PMID

35427873

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Patient satisfaction with telepsychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic has generally been positive, but few studies have compared patient experiences across settings, and no study to date has investigated the experience of college students receiving post-acute mental health treatment in an outpatient setting. PARTICIPANTS: The current study surveyed college student outpatients (n = 101) to understand their experiences using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: An anonymous survey was delivered electronically and included questions regarding patients' age, treatment length, telehealth use, and their experience and satisfaction with telepsychiatry. A mixed-methods approach was used to analyze responses between groups through Chi-Square, Kruskal-Wallis, or Mann-Whitney tests, and qualitatively to understand themes across items related to the benefits and challenges of telehealth.

RESULTS: College students were more likely to utilize video-based telehealth and preferred video-based care. College students receiving medication management were much more likely to endorse telehealth being as helpful as in-person treatment. Several challenges associated with telehealth were raised in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the benefits and challenges of telepsychiatry in this high-risk college population may help enhance access to care during a critical period of development in which most psychopathology emerges.

Language: en

Keywords

College students; Mental health; COVID-19; Digital health; Telehealth