Quality of asynchronous webchats vs in-person consultations for postpartum depression in China: a cross-sectional, mixed methods study using standardized patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prompt professional care for postpartum depression (PPD) is difficult to obtain in China. Though online consultations improve accessibility and reduce stigma, the quality of services compared to in-person consultations is unclear.

Methods

Five trained, undisclosed "standardized patients" (SPs) made "asynchronous webchats" visits and in-person visits with psychiatrists. Visits were made to 85 psychiatrists who were based in 69 hospitals in ten provincial capital cities. The care between online and in-person consultations with the same psychiatrist was compared, including diagnosis, guideline adherence, and patient-centeredness. False discovery rate (FDR) was used to adjust p values. Third visits using asynchronous webchats were made to psychiatrists who offered dis

SUBMITTER: Gong W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10998204 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature