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. 2025 Dec;49(6):391-400.
doi: 10.1192/bjb.2024.102.

Remote consultations in mental health: collaborative evaluation applying learning health systems thinking

Lucy Goulding  1 , Julie Williams  1 , Alison White  2 , Aileen Jackson  2 , Zoë Lelliott  2 , Stuart Adams  3 , Kia-Chong Chua  1   4 , Noushig Nahabedian  4 , Juliana Onwumere  1   4 , James Woollard  5 ; MOMENT group; Nick Sevdalis  1 , Fiona Gaughran  1   4
Collaborators, Affiliations

Remote consultations in mental health: collaborative evaluation applying learning health systems thinking

Lucy Goulding et al. BJPsych Bull. 2025 Dec.

Abstract

Aims and method: A collaborative evaluation of remote consultations in mental health services was undertaken by mental health service providers, experts by experience, academic institutions and a Health Innovation Network in south London, UK. 'Learning healthcare systems' thinking was applied. Workstream 1 reviewed international published evidence; workstream 2 synthesised findings from three health provider surveys of the perceptions and experiences of staff, patients and carers; and workstream 3 comprised an electronic survey on local projects.

Results: Remote consultations can be acceptable to patients and staff. They improve access for some while restricting access for others, with digital exclusion being a key concern. Providing tailored choice is key.

Clinical implications: The collaboration generated learning to inform choices by healthcare providers to embed or adapt remote delivery. A key output was freely downloadable survey questions for assessing the quantity and quality of appointments undertaken by phone or video or face to face.

Keywords: Remote consultations; collaboration; evaluation; learning healthcare systems; mental health services.

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Conflict of interest statement

N.S. is director of London Safety and Training Solutions Ltd., which offers training in patient safety, implementation solutions and human factors to healthcare organisations and the pharmaceutical industry.

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