Getting the most from an online psychiatric consultation
It’s normal and understandable for some people to have worries about video consulting, ‘Will I be able to work the technology? Will I have enough broadband? Will I be interrupted or overheard? Will my kids burst in? Will I be distracted by seeing my image on screen? Will they be judging my appearance / home?’ (No!)
Below are some practical suggestions and FAQs to help you prepare, so that you can then let go of any worries about the process and focus instead on the things you want to discuss, what you want to get from the consultation.
How to prepare
- Be realistic and kind to yourself when scheduling an appointment. Ideally you don’t want to be rushing to be on time or distracted by the thing you have to do immediately afterwards.
- Have a glass of water handy.
- If you have specific things you want to discuss, prepare a short list you can easily refer to during the consultation.
- Try to find a space that is private, quiet and free from interruptions (even if that means using a garage or a parked car!).
- Consider using headphones, if you have them (but don’t worry if you don’t).
- Make sure your device is plugged in or fully charged.
- Ideally plan to give yourself a few private minutes afterwards, just to rest and reflect.
What should I expect – is anything different?
In many ways, a remote consultation is similar to a standard face-to-face clinical consultation, but there are some differences. For example, you will be asked to confirm your identity by showing a form of photo ID and you may be asked a few more questions to confirm your capacity to consent to treatment. You may also find communication seems a little harder initially – but perhaps easier than communicating through a face mask!
What happens if the video link fails?
This can be frustrating and can disturb the consultation’s flow temporarily, but it happens! Wait for another attempt at connection to be made and be ready to supply a phone number to use instead. If adequate connection is not possible, Frith will re-arrange the appointment asap.
Will the consultation be recorded?
Frith Psychiatry does not routinely record consultations and will not do so, without your consent. Similarly, please do not record the consultation without the doctor’s knowledge and consent, as if the recording is shared on a public platform, that might infringe on their data protection and privacy rights. Please refer to Frith’s privacy statement and to the confidentiality page for more information about how your information is protected.
When are remote consultations not clinically appropriate?
Remote consultations are less likely to be appropriate if :
- There are concerns about a person’s capacity, vulnerability or privacy
- There is an acute episode of mental illness at high risk of deterioration
- If a physical examination is needed
- If there are sensory or communication difficulties that cannot be overcome in order to facilitate access
The information requested on Frith Psychiatry’s enquiry form is there to help check that your needs can be met by the service and by remote consultation.
Why video consultation rather than telephone consultation?
This is to capture non-verbal communication which really enriches the consultation, and to help build a therapeutic relationship with you.
The bottom line!
Remember that whatever the technology, this is about two people bringing together their personal and professional experience to develop the best understanding and treatment plan possible. There will be inevitable glitches, when using technology!, but Frith will try to overcome those as/when they arise and make sure the focus is on you, this is your time.
