Primary care practitioners’ and patients’ views on the benefits and challenges of remote consulting for anxiety and depression in general practice.

Background

Primary care appointments that take place over the telephone or by videocall are called remote consultations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most appointments moved from face-to-face to remote consulting. It is likely that many appointments will continue to be delivered this way. GPs and nurses report that telephone consultations can be useful for long-term conditions, or where physical examinations are not required. However, some patients may not have a private space to discuss sensitive issues, or prefer to do so in-person. Some may also struggle with the technology that is needed for remote consultations.

Whilst there is research on the use of remote consulting across primary care generally, we do not know what the benefits and challenges are for the management of individuals with anxiety and depression. This is particularly important because 40% of primary care consultations focus on mental health, and this figure has increased since the pandemic. During these consultations, distressing issues may be discussed. Patients may find it difficult to have these conversations over the telephone. Additionally, GPs and nurses are unable to notice important physical cues like body language. Alternatively, anxiety and depression can make it more difficult to attend appointments or discuss problems in-person. Therefore, these patients may find remote care easier than in-person appointments. Understanding the benefits and challenges of remote consultations for mental health will inform how best, and when, this method of consulting is used within primary care.

Aim

To understand GPs’, mental health nurses’ and patients’ views and experiences of remote consultations for the management of anxiety and depression, to identify what elements are beneficial, what are the challenges, and how these consultations can be best used and delivered in the future.

Methods

We will interview up to 40 practitioners and patients. Interviews will be held on a one-to-one basis. Interviews will be analysed to identify common themes, to better understand people’s experiences.

Why this study is important

Findings will help us understand what practitioners and patients view as the benefits and challenges of remote consulting. This will provide insight into how and when remote consultations should be used to ensure they are acceptable and helpful for patients discussing poor mental health. Findings will inform future research to develop guidance and training for practitioners on how and when remote consultations should be delivered to improve the remote management of anxiety and depression. The findings will be shared through medical journals, conferences and social media.

PPI

The research team includes a patient with lived experience. She has shaped this proposal and will help design the interview questions, interpret the results and inform the direction of future research. Alongside a wider PPI group, she will help with how we share the research findings.

Amount awarded: £70,678