Telepsychiatry Services During Covid-19 Pandemic: Findings And Learning From A Tertiary Hospital Setting
Anjali Sharma
Background and Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental well-being of the people and has presented numerous challenges in accessing mental health treatment. Telepsychiatry has been empirically demonstrated to be an efficacious method for providing mental healthcare. We share our experience of using telepsychiatry in providing mental health services in a tertiary hospital in Northern India.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of data that has been recorded for telepsychiatry services during the period April 2020–March 2021.
Results: During the specified period, 188 patients were enrolled, with 112 (59.57%) females and 76 (40.42% males). The majority were aged 21-30 years (29.78%), followed by 31-40 years (26.59%), and over 60 years (17%). 177 patients (94.14%) were from Delhi, while 11 (5.85%) were from outside the city. Bipolar affective disorder was the most common diagnosis among individuals aged 10-20, followed by depression in the 21-30 age group, followed by bipolar affective disorder in the 31-40 age group, depression in the 41-50 age group, adjustment disorder in the 51-60 age group, and finally, depression in the over-60 age group. These findings highlight the diverse age groups and varying levels of mental health issues.
Conclusion: Telepsychiatry has significantly improved mental healthcare and has been viewed as a future option for routine follow-up care, ensuring the maintenance of mental healthcare.
