The Effectiveness of Telephone-based Psychological Services to COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the delivery of mental health services, leading to the development of telepsychiatry.

Aim: The present study investigates the effectiveness of telephone-delivered treatment for psychological disorders of COVID-19 survivors in Tehran, the capital of Iran.

Methods: In this non-randomized controlled trial, 91 COVID-19 survivors, primarily residents were enrolled. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and a psychological screening questionnaire. The intervention included the telephone-based psychological services provided by trained psychiatric residents. The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL) was administered to assess the presence of PTSD symptoms. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) adjusted mean difference was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. There was a significant negative correlation between the Spost-GHQ score and history of going to the clinic and history of psychiatric disorders, but no relationship with the history of hospitalization. All participants completed the satisfaction form, with almost half of them being "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the telehealth calls.

Conclusion: Telephonic delivery of psychological services showed an effective way of providing evidence-based psychological support during the pandemic. This telehealth program can offer much-needed assistance to individuals with COVID-19 improving their psychological wellbeing.

Keywords: COVID-19; PTSD; Psychological disorders; Telehealth; Telemental health; Telepsychiatry.