Patient Satisfaction and Recommendations for Delivering a Group-Based Intensive Outpatient Program via Telemental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Cohort Study

Michelle K. Skime, Ajeng J. Puspitasari, Melanie T. Gentry, Dagoberto Heredia, Craig N. Sawchuk, Wendy R. Moore, Monica J. Taylor-Desir, Kathryn M. Schak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Although group-based intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a level of care commonly utilized by adults with serious mental illness, few studies have examined the acceptability of group-based IOPs that required rapid transition to a telemental health (TMH) format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction and future recommendations for a group-based IOP that was transitioned to a TMH format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A 17-item patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed by patients at discharge and covered 3 areas: IOP TMH satisfaction, future recommendations, and video technology challenges. Descriptive and content analyses were conducted for the quantitative and open-ended questions, respectively. Results: A total of 76 patients completed the program in 2020. A subset of patients (n=40, 53%) responded to the survey at program discharge. The results indicated that the patients were satisfied overall with the TMH program format; 50% (n=20) of the patients preferred the program continue offering the TMH format, and the rest preferred returning to in-person formats after the pandemic. The patients indicated the elements of the program that they found most valuable and provided recommendations for future program improvement. Conclusions: Overall, adults with serious mental illness reported high satisfaction with the group-based IOP delivered via TMH. Health care systems may want to consider offering both TMH and in-person formats regardless of the state of the pandemic. Patients’ feedback on future improvements should be considered to help ensure long-term success.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere30204
JournalJMIR Mental Health
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Intensive outpatient
  • Patient satisfaction
  • Telemedicine
  • Telemental health
  • Telepsychiatry
  • Teletherapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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