Mental health has been touchy, especially in the past when admitting openly to seeing a psychiatrist was a sign of something wrong. However, just when mental health practices were welcomed, Covid-19 was declared a pandemic. The world went into lockdown, and public spaces closed down, including psychotherapy and psychiatric offices. With the levels of stress and anxiety recording a new high, something had to be done and fast to deal with the current situation of things.
Therefore, although previously considered and declared unfit for medical practices, Telemedicine got the chance to prove its worth to facilitate mental health. Some of the impacts it has had since then include:
- Reduced the No-show Rate
Telemedicine for mental health has resolved one of the significant long-standing problems in psychiatry, that of patients not showing up for their appointments. Before the lockdown, most patients would make appointments but not show up. Although sometimes it was due to sheer forgetfulness, other times it was pure absconding of the meeting. However, as Telemedicine got introduced as an option, the no-show rate has considerably lowered. This can is due to the main advantage of Telemedicine which is convenience. Patients do not have to fight traffic or inconvenience their busy schedules to see their therapists. With access to an innovative device/internet, they can make their appointments with little struggle.
- It Gives a View of the Patient’s Home Environment
With most people being home due to the lockdown, Telemedicine allowed therapists to see their patients’ day-to-day lives at home and, most importantly, in their daily environments. In the standard setting, the patient having to go to the office took away the chance to experience it firsthand. However, by using Telemedicine, the psychiatrists and therapists get an essential insight into the patient’s life, which helps with their treatment.
Final Word
With the world opening and the restrictions on personal meetings easing up, it will be easier for people to choose what works for them best, having tried both options. The advantage is that they get the help they need in the long run, no matter which option they choose.