Assessing Relative Quality of Care in Mental Health Services with the Transition to Telehealth

Abstract

This study explores the accessibility and satisfaction levels of telehealth compared to traditional in-person mental health services to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of remote mental health care. Through a Google Forms survey distributed among the University of Hawaiʻi population, treatment utilization patterns, satisfaction levels, and mental health treatment access barriers were examined. Survey results displayed mixed satisfaction levels among respondents, as well as time constraints and financial cost as the greatest entry barriers in accessing mental health treatment, regardless of modality. Statistical analysis, specifically chi-squared tests, revealed no significant association between treatment modality (telehealth vs in-person) and overall satisfaction, wait time satisfaction, and mental health improvement. However, a clear correlation was found between wait time satisfaction and mental health improvement, as well as overall treatment satisfaction and service accessibility, underscoring the importance of easy mental health treatment access and its possible role in treatment outcome success. Our research engages with the crucial nature of patient satisfaction and service accessibility in relation to treatment outcomes. The significance of this research lies in its potential to offer valuable insights for service providers and policymakers to improve patient experience.