Patient Reactions to Transitioning from Virtual to In-Person Mental Health Care
Author Information
Author(s): Mertz Kathryn, Baldinger Samantha, Rivas Jennifer, Nikzad Amir, Scarpelli Michael, Greenwald Blaine
Primary Institution: Zucker Hillside Hospital
Hypothesis
How do geriatric psychiatry patients feel about the transition from virtual to in-person care after the COVID-19 pandemic?
Conclusion
Geriatric psychiatry outpatients are equally satisfied with virtual and in-person visits, but many face challenges when returning to in-person care.
Supporting Evidence
- 43% of patients engaged in tele-video, 43% in audio-only, and 17% utilized both.
- Virtual care had a mean satisfaction score of 4.1, while in-person care had a mean score of 4.2.
- 75% of patients identified medical issues as a significant challenge when returning to in-person care.
Takeaway
Elderly patients are just as happy with online mental health visits as they are with in-person ones, but some find it hard to go back to seeing doctors in person.
Methodology
Patients were surveyed about their satisfaction with virtual versus in-person care and challenges faced in returning to in-person visits.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as only patients who attended the clinic were surveyed.
Limitations
The study only surveyed patients from one clinic and may not represent all geriatric psychiatry patients.
Participant Demographics
Patients from a geriatric psychiatry clinic, primarily elderly individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.82
Statistical Significance
p=0.82
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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