Four Learning Outcomes of Digital Care in Mental Health during the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a field of forced testing of the multiple possibilities that artificial intelligence and technology can bring to health care. Based on these opportunities, difficulties, and expectancies, the digital meeting has turned the conversation of the digitalization of mental health care, within the cycle of mental health and COVID-19, organized by SOM Mental Health 360. 

The online meeting, moderated by Dr. Josep Maria Haro, director of teaching, research and innovation at the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, was attended by two specialists, such as Dr. Francesc García Cuyàs. He is an ssistant to the Medical Directorate of the Hospital Saint Joan de Déu in Barcelona and Dr. Joan Carles March, professor at the Andalusian School of Public Health. In this debate, the testimony of Imma Malé, a nurse and at the same time, a user of the mental health system has also been included. 

Speakers share some learning outcomes from what they have experienced

1. COVID-19 will mark a turning point in the provision of mental health services, with the incorporation of digital health
2. The possibilities of digital health have not reached everyone equally and many users have been neglected
3. The basis of a humanized relationship: Listetning, empathy and understanding of the other is common and necessary, in both face-to-face and digital care
4. In a second wave of COVID-19, telephone attention will not be enough because the relationship between professionals and users has changed. There is a real need to see each other, not just to listen to each other 

'It has been said that in 5 months we have advanced 5 years', says Dr. García Cuyàs, who highlights the number of experiences of user care through telematics and artificial intelligence tools set up at the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona. 'With the pandemic, we went from 18% non-face care to more than 600% care through the patient portal, telephone care, chat environments,' he explains, all of this allowed us proximity to the user beyond the walls of the hospital, promoting a fluid hospital strategy, that we were already developing.' 

The experience of telematic care for people with mental health disorders is as diverse as are people. In the case of Imma Malé, from her personal experience, telephone attention has been sufficient and satisfactory, although she understands that many people have felt helpless, since the needs have been very different. In the case of mental health care, the face-to-face component remains relevant. 'My psychologist told me that, with telephone therapy, he missed out on a lot of information', the nurse explains. 

Dr. Joan Carles March, one of the leading figures in Spain in regards to health, is concerned about this second wave of COVID-19 because the relationship between professionals and users has changed and raises the need for a change of mentality that the health system needs. 

You can watch the whole digital meeting here: 'Digitalisation in Mental Health Care'