Patients' and providers' experiences with video consultations used in the treatment of older patients with unipolar depression: A systematic review
Authors: Christensen Lone Fisker , Moller Anne Marie , Hansen Jens Peter , Nielsen Connie Thuroe , Gildberg Frederik Alkier 
Published: November 2019

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Depression is the most common cause of mental illness amongst older people. As a result of the growth of the older population, it is expected that an increasing number of older people will need treatment. Depression can be effectively treated—but fewer than half of those who are affected receive treatment.

Barriers to receiving treatment are lack of resources and trained healthcare providers, social stigma, incorrect diagnoses and long distances to treatment facilities. There is an increased need for alternative ways of treating patients with depression. The use of video consultations has shown to be a viable option for delivering mental health care to older patients. Use of video consultations allows patients to receive treatment in their own homes. None of the existing reviews have focused on satisfaction with the use of video consultations amongst older people with depression. This paper provides knowledge regarding the use of video consultations, especially for older people with depression.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

No previous review has sought to understand the use of video consultations in mental health care to older patients with depression. The results show that video consultations support mental health practice, especially as a useful alternative when face‐to‐face therapy is not possible. An initial scepticism from participants quickly disappeared when video consultations were experienced in action. The challenges associated with the use of video consultations seem to consist of technical problems and lack of support from staff.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health practitioners should consider the use of video consultations because it can support mental health practice, especially as a useful alternative when face‐to‐face therapy is not possible.

Introduction

Depression is the leading cause of mental illness amongst an ageing population and fewer than half of those who are affected receive treatment. There is an increased need for alternative ways of treating patients; the use of video consultations has been shown to be a viable option for delivering mental health care. However, none of the existing reviews have focused on satisfaction with the use of video consultations amongst older people with depression and providers.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of the existing literature focusing on patients' and providers' experiences of video consultations for depression.

Method

Eight scientific databases were searched. In all, 3,537 articles were identified and, of these, 21 peer‐reviewed articles were included in this review.

Results

The results show that video consultations support mental health practice, especially as a useful alternative when face‐to‐face therapy is not possible. Any initial scepticism quickly disappeared when video consultations were experienced in action. The challenges seem to consist of technical problems and lack of support from staff.

Discussion

The experiences and satisfaction of older people with depression seem to be positive, although methodological limitations and deficiencies of the reviewed articles should be considered. More qualitative research is needed, and future studies should focus on specific diagnoses and providers' experiences.

Implications for practice

Video consultations support mental health practice, especially as a useful alternative when face‐to‐face therapy is not possible.