Indian Journal of Private Psychiatry

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VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2021 ) > List of Articles

BRIEF RESEARCH COMMUNICATION

Telepsychiatry in India: Personal Observations

Keywords : India, Obsevations, Present and future, Teleconsultation

Citation Information : Telepsychiatry in India: Personal Observations. Ind J Priv Psychiatry 2021; 15 (2):96-97.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10067-0089

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 31-12-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Telepsychiatry in India has been widely used by many psychiatrists to provide much-needed help to patients during the COVID pandemic. Neither the patients nor the clinicians were prepared for the process. This author practiced during this period and used some innovative methods. The observations are made for three periods. Normal consultations during corona pandemic, when only teleconsultations were allowed, and during a period when both types of consultations were available. During the pandemic, when normal consultations were provided very few (164) patients came for consultation. When only teleconsultation was provided, 335 patients were consulted in nearly a similar duration. This clearly shows that as soon as a safe method of consultation was available the numbers jumped to double indicating that many patients could not consult as a safe consultation method was not available. When both types of consultations were available the number doubled to 748 indicating that many patients were not comfortable with teleconsultation. Most patients did not follow all directions asked for teleconsultations but submitted important information. Very few new patients opted for teleconsultations. Telepsychiatry is an exciting prospect for the future, it will open new avenues of consultation and prevention. We must make it more efficient and patient-friendly, and a continuous effort should be made to refine the process.


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