Expanding access to psychosocial research studies during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual modalities.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychosocial researchers and clinicians to quickly shift from standard in-person practices to remote modalities. Despite calls to maintain current virtual care modalities due to the potential to improve access to health care, we are not yet aware of any scholarly works which explicitly describe specific modifications made in response to the restrictions to face-to-face care, resulting access, and implications for the field. This commentary describes how modifications to transition both clinical and research processes to fully virtual modalities in 2 ongoing integrated primary care clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic increased access. Given the feasibility of implementing these modifications and the success demonstrated by increased enrollment, we advocate for continued use of virtual modalities for both clinical work and research.

MSW Curriculum Analysis

“…The authors note that the virtual model developed as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic should be utilized in the future to onboard new social work staff and with future interns (Mitchell et al, 2021). Johnson et al (2021) analyzed the impact of transitioning from in-person to virtual interactions for a PTSD-focused study. Johnson et al (2021) found that recruitment for the study increased significantly with remote modalities, while the pool of eligible recruits remained the same.…”

“…Johnson et al (2021) analyzed the impact of transitioning from in-person to virtual interactions for a PTSD-focused study. Johnson et al (2021) found that recruitment for the study increased significantly with remote modalities, while the pool of eligible recruits remained the same. Overall, it appeared that remote services increased access to mental health care and research.…”

“…Overall, it appeared that remote services increased access to mental health care and research. In studies conducted by Békés and Aafjes-van Doorn (2020) and Johnson et al (2021), staff reported high satisfaction with remote work, indicating increased flexibility and improved work-life balance. A decrease in cost of supplies was also noted, which could be beneficial for many organizations.…”

“…A decrease in cost of supplies was also noted, which could be beneficial for many organizations. Johnson et al (2021) notes a need for additional research regarding remote work to "advocate for sustained change to administrative and regulatory policies to support virtual high-quality care delivered in the modality that best meets the needs and preferences of the patient" (p. 491).…”

From challenge to opportunity: COVID-19 and the evolution of virtual mental health care.

“…As Maffoni and colleagues show (Maffoni et al, 2021), virtual platforms can also address patient loneliness through connection with family members and improve satisfaction with care through more extensive contact with health care providers. Within the area of clinical research, Johnson and colleagues (Johnson et al, 2021) recently described an acceleration in research participation among their clinical population, citing a marked increase in enrolment in a PTSD treatment study following initiation of virtual study procedures. They also reported on both improved satisfaction of study personnel and the absence of a negative impact on adherence to the study protocol.…”