Better Access: substantial shift to telehealth for allied mental health services during COVID-19 in Australia

ConclusionsAllied mental health services via MBS-subsidised telehealth items greatly increased during 2020. Telehealth is an effective, flexible option for receiving psychological care which should be made available beyond the pandemic.What is known about the topic?Little is known about the transition to and delivery of new, temporary Better Access telehealth services by AMHPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.What does this paper add?This paper provides valuable data on the rapid transition to telehealth by AMHPs to provide levels of psychological care commensurate to 2019. Data extends from April to December 2020 and includes the overall number of services provided for each profession, and the proportion of services delivered via face-to-face and telehealth. We highlight the impact of the new, additional items which temporarily raised the cap on sessions. We also illustrate the substantial use of the scheme by those living in Victoria who experienced greater COVID-19-related hardships.What are the implications for practitioners?The continuation of Better Access telehealth services by AMHPs has the potential to extend the reach of mental health care beyond the pandemic.PMID:34743787 | DOI:10.1071/AH21162
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Source Type: research