Wellbeing and clinical videoconferencing satisfaction among patients in psychotrauma treatment during the coronavirus pandemic: cross-sectional study

• Published in: European journal of psychotraumatology 2021-01, Vol.12 (1), p.1906021-1906021
• Main Authors: ter Heide, F. Jackie June, de la Rie, Simone, de Haan, Annelies, Boeschoten, Manon, Nijdam, Mirjam J., Smid, Geert, Wind, Tim, Mooren, Trudy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: bienestar; cambio de síntomas; clinical videoconferencing; Coronavirus; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Cross-sectional studies; general psychopathology; life satisfaction; Pandemics; Patient satisfaction; psicopatología general; psicotrauma; Psychopathology; psychotrauma; satisfacción de vida; satisfacción del tratamiento; Short Communication; Stress; symptom change; treatment satisfaction; Video teleconferencing; videoconferencia clínica; wellbeing; 一般性精神病; 临床视频会议; 冠状病毒; 幸福感; 心理创伤; 治疗满意度; 生活满意度; 症状改变
• ISSN: 2000-8066; 2000-8198; 2000-8066
• DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1906021

Background: The coronavirus pandemic appears to put psychiatric patients with pre-existing symptomatology at risk of symptom increase, but evidence is scarce. While the pandemic and stringent governmental measures have accelerated the use of clinical videoconferencing (VCT), patient satisfaction with VCT is unclear. Objective: Aim of the study was to assess the wellbeing of patients in psychotrauma treatment during the coronavirus pandemic and to evaluate their use of and satisfaction with VCT. Method: This study used data from a routine outcome monitoring assessment completed by patients in treatment at a specialized psychotrauma institute and administered before the easing of governmental measures in June 2020. Wellbeing (Brief Symptom Inventory, Cantril Ladder, perceived stress level, and symptom change), VCT use and VCT satisfaction, and their association with demographic variables (gender, age, education level, and refugee status) were analysed. Results: Of the 318 respondents (response rate 64.5%), 139 (43.7%) reported a symptom increase, which was associated with a higher coronavirus-related stress level and general psychopathology as well as lower life satisfaction. There were significant effects of age and education level on wellbeing. VCT was reported to have been used by 228 (71.7%) patients. VCT satisfaction ratings were higher among women and those with lower levels of stress (r = −.20, p