Tele-medicine Effect on Psychiatric Patient’s Experience in a UAE Outpatient Department

Abstract

Background: Mental health disorders affect approximately one in eight individuals globally, with anxiety and depression prevailing. Tele-mental health (TMH), including telepsychiatry, telepsychology, and tele behavioral health, has emerged as a promising solution to accessibility issues and stigma, especially post-COVID-19.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the impact of Tele-medicine on psychiatric patients’ experiences in outpatient settings, focusing on satisfaction, perceived stigma, compliance, and service preferences.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional design enrolled 232 psychiatric patients from the Dhafra Family Medicine Center, Abu Dhabi, between June and July 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to Tele-medicine (n=122) or in-person consultations (n=110). Data were collected using a Telepsychiatry Services Survey and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: This research examines the influence of telemedicine on the experiences of psychiatric patients, showcasing notable disparities between groups. Specifically, individuals engaged in tele-mental health services demonstrated significantly elevated satisfaction levels (M=68.22±11.16) compared to those attending in-person consultations (M=58.68±14.22), alongside notably reduced perceptions of stigma (M=7.56±2.10 vs. M=10.35±1.77) and stronger preferences for services (M=13.52±1.32 vs. M=12.12±2.28), all with p<0.001.

Conclusion: Tele-medicine significantly enhances psychiatric outpatient care experiences, addressing barriers like stigma and accessibility, and improving satisfaction and compliance.