At TalkingSpace Plus (TSP), we wanted to find out how the transition of moving from in-person to remote therapy (e.g.: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)) impacted on patient recovery rates. To investigate this, we analysed data from patients who finished CBT between either June 2019 to March 2020 (pre-pandemic; face-to-face therapy) or March 2020 to December 2020 (during pandemic; remote therapy).
Overall, more people accessed treatment during the remote period and recovery rates improved. In particular, recovery rates for females, working aged adults (aged 18 to 65 years) and those receiving treatment for depression improved significantly. For those receiving treatment for OCD, recovery rates were poorer during the remote period.
The findings suggest that, overall, the sudden transition to remote therapy within TSP was not detrimental to patient recovery rates. Due to this, remote delivery of therapy could form a substantial part of the TSP service model going forwards. This needs to be offered whilst also taking into account patient preference and digital exclusion. In addition, treatment for OCD should continue to be monitored to consider if the effect was due to the pandemic itself or remote delivery and thereafter, consideration could be given to prioritising this group of patients for in person work.