Increasing access to treatment
“I am glad to be able to do this online with you, while I overcome the fear of going outdoors.”
A recent client commented on that as we began working on his anxiety that has debilitated him for the last few years.
Telehealth has gained substantial traction, particularly in the last 4 years, as an effective method for delivering healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed this shift, necessitating the rapid adoption of remote health solutions to maintain patient care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. A plethora of research during this period highlights telehealth’s effectiveness in various aspects of healthcare.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that telehealth services significantly improved access to healthcare, particularly for patients in rural and underserved areas. The study indicated that telehealth consultations were as effective as in-person visits for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction due to the convenience and reduced travel time associated with telehealth appointments.
Further research in 2022, published in The Lancet Digital Health, explored the outcomes of telehealth in mental health services. The study concluded that telehealth interventions for mental health, including therapy and counselling, were highly effective. Patients receiving telehealth therapy showed similar improvement rates in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to those receiving face-to-face therapy. The flexibility of telehealth also allowed for more frequent and consistent sessions, contributing to better overall patient outcomes.
In 2023, a comprehensive review in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) assessed the quality of care provided via telehealth. The review highlighted that telehealth could deliver high-quality care, particularly in specialties such as dermatology, cardiology, and endocrinology. Virtual consultations facilitated timely diagnosis and management, often leading to quicker treatment interventions.
The meta-analysis on over 1200 clients on remote EMDR is promising with significant reduction in the mental health symptoms after seeing a therapist online. Overall, the results indicate that delivering EMDR therapy via online tools is feasible and potentially effective . This approach presents a promising alternative to in-person delivery of intensive trauma-focused therapy. (Kaptan et al. 2024)
Research from 2024 emphasized the cost-effectiveness of telehealth. A study in Health Affairs demonstrated that telehealth significantly reduced healthcare costs by minimizing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits. Patients with chronic illnesses benefited from regular virtual check-ups, which helped in early detection and management of potential complications.
Making the Best Use of Technology
Overall, studies from 2021 to 2024 consistently affirm telehealth’s effectiveness in improving access, quality, and cost-efficiency of healthcare services. As telehealth technology continues to evolve, it is poised to become an integral part of modern healthcare delivery. Anyone who owns a device is able to access a wealth of remote treatment from the comfort and convenience of your own place.
Here is the link for a discovery call or email !
Open Source References:
Kaptan SK, Kaya ZM, Akan A. Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: a systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Jan 4;14:1336569. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336569. PMID: 38250261; PMCID: PMC10799678.
McGowan, I.W., Fisher, N., Havens, J. et al. An evaluation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy delivered remotely during the Covid–19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry 21, 560 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03571-
Bursnall, M., Thomas, B. D., Berntsson, H., Strong, E., Brayne, M. & Hind, D. (2022). Clinician and patient experience of internet-mediated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health, 28. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-022-00260-0
Liou, H., Lane, C., Huang, C., Mookadam, M., Joseph, M., & Hecker DuVal, J. (2022). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in a primary care setting: Assessing utility and comparing efficacy of virtual versus in-person methods. Telemedicine and e-Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2021.0454
Moench, J., & Billsten, O. (2021). Randomized controlled trial: Self-care traumatic episode protocol (STEP), computerized EMDR treatment of COVID-19 related stress. Journal of EMDR Practice & Research,15(2), 99-113. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-20-00047
Winkler, O., Dhaliwal, R., Greenwhaw, A., O’Shea, K., Abba-Aji, A., Chima, C., Purdon, S. E., & Burback, L. (2021). Web-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for adults with suicidal ideation: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 10(11): e30711. Open access: https://doi.org/10.2196/30711
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