“I am surprised that it works so well”: clinicians’ views on delivering psychological assessments and therapy to young people in a fully-digital mental health service"

Abstract

Purpose Many mental health clinicians have delivered services digitally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging research suggests that, despite some initial discomfort, therapists appear to adjust to remote working. The purpose of this study is to explore the views of clinicians working within a fully digital organisation towards digital service provision. Design/methodology/approach Clinicians (N = 52) providing digital mental health assessments and treatments at Healios anonymously completed a mixed-methods questionnaire. Findings In all, 85% of participants enjoyed working remotely and 71% thought they would continue to work online over the next 5–10 years. Of the participants, 40% reported low confidence in online work’s efficacy before working remotely, but 96% reported confidence at the time of questionnaire completion: suggesting confidence increased with experience. An exploratory “inverted” factor analysis generated a two-factor solution, grouping clinicians into two factors based on key views. Factor 1 was predominantly characterised by satisfaction with training received and factor 2 by quality of technical experiences (encountering problems less often and greater personal confidence in resolving them). Qualitative feedback described some benefits of, and barriers to, digital service provision. Clinicians reflected on a perceived change in cultural norms, with more openness to digital services following the COVID-19 pandemic. On a personal level, teletherapy was viewed more favourably with increased personal experience. Originality/value Clinicians’ confidence in providing services digitally is discussed, with reference to how this may be affected by extent of remote working experience and availability of technical support. Staff well-being within the digital workspace is also discussed.