Tele-health is a core component of the UK mental health care in the NHS 5-year plan. Whilst the implementation was rapidly accelerated during the pandemic, it relies on the technological resources available in the mental health care services and on patients’ ability to use digital devices.
This PhD project will investigate differences in the two emerging consultation models (face-to-face and remote) including the changing patterns of their use (frequency, duration, timing) pre- and post-pandemic, and their personal and service impact (satisfaction, health outcomes).
This mixed methods project will provide a broad range of training opportunities in the following: i) conduct of systematic reviews; ii) management of big data, statistical skills and data analysis; iii) recruitment of study participants and qualitative skills of conducting in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. Additional training in general PhD skills such as communication and writing academic papers will be available through the Centre for Doctoral Studies at KCL.
Year 1: Systematic review on the two models of care (face-to-face and remote)
Years 1 and 2: A series of analyses of CRIS data comparing face-to-face and remote consultations
Year 3: Interviews with patients and mental health professionals on their views and experiences with face-to-face and remote consultations
The student will work closely with both supervisors to design the studies and interpret the results. Throughout the PhD project the student will be supported by both supervisors in disseminating their work and publishing it in high impact scientific journals and in national and international meetings.