Abstract
Introduction: Remote delivery of assessment, consultation and therapy via digital communication technologies in mental health services is important in rural locations, and has rapidly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This UK-based research investigated what factors should be considered in the development and evaluation of digitally mediated service provision for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs using two approaches: (1) a focus group with five young people (aged 16–19 years) and (2) an online survey with 18 parents/carers of primary-age children with SEMH difficulties.
Results: Getting help quickly was most important to both young people and parents/carers when accessing services, with having a say in their care of equal importance to young people but not parents/carers. Analysis identified participants’ preferences and perceived positives and negatives of digitally mediated service provision.
Conclusion: Digitally mediated service provision should be timely and patient-centred to be considered acceptable by young people with SEMH needs and their parents/carers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 7747 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Rural and remote health |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 1 Jan 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2023 |
Funding
Funding for this study came from a PhD studentship funded by the county council.
Keywords
- delivery of health care
- healthcare quality indicators
- mental health services
- rural health services
- telemedicine
- UK
- child health
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Emergency Medical Services
- Health(social science)
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
