If There’s Something Strange in Your Neighbourhood, Who You Gonna Call? Perceived Mental Health Service User Suitability for Video Consultations

COVID-19 has placed additional challenges on mental health services. Video consultations (VCs) have provided a short-term solution to lockdown restrictions but could also increase long-term capacity meet the anticipated rising demand. A total of 7752 VCs were conducted over six weeks. Thematic analysis 474 online survey responses identified twenty patient attributes that influenced staffs’ decisions offer VCs. Their opinions diverse, at times contradictory, and not always evidence based. There was reasonable consensus (and published support) probable suitability VC for patients who: are IT savvy suitably equipped; teenagers; live in remote/rural locations; caring responsibilities; anxiety disorders or express preference. No reached regarding eight there corresponding paucity evidence, indicating need further research. Conversely, old age; paranoia, sensory impairment/communication difficulties; high risk trauma/PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) generally seen as contraindicated by staff, despite success elsewhere. It may be possible overcome staff’s reticence these groups As staff effectively gatekeepers interventions, it is important understand support them reservations contrary empirical base. This will ensure their initial anxieties do become unnecessary barriers services those most need. with all healthcare, such should made collaboratively, an individual basis.