Virtually caring: a qualitative study of internet-based mental health services for LGBT young adults in rural Australia

Abstract

Introduction:The study explored how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young adults in rural Australian communities experience online mental health services. Online technologies hold potential to overcome health access barriers, but little is known in practice for this community.Methods: Interviews were conducted with nine LGBT young adults living in rural areas and six service providers who were responsible for the provision of internet-based mental health services. The results were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The analysis of the interviews with LGBT young adults and service providers revealed important insights and discrepancies.Findings revealed difficulties locating the right care and variation in views about how online services should be delivered. A potentially critical role for parents/guardians to play was found in facilitating access to services. Conclusion:The needs of LGBT youth in rural areas are complex Rural and Remote Health rrh.org.au

A systematic review of the preferences of rural and remote youth for mental health service access: Telehealth versus face‐to‐face consultation

“…With the limited number of studies included, variation in published research quality, and differing conditions under which youth made preferred choices, conclusions drawn from this review can only be tentative. The review suggests rural youth may prefer face-to-face consultation for mental health concerns, [36][37][38] a finding consistent with other Australian literature on youth mental health service delivery in rural contexts. 13,41 In a survey by ReachOut Australia in 2017, 264 young people residing in nonmetropolitan areas were asked to identify characteristics of mental health services that would encourage access if needed.…”

“…The oldest was published in 2000, 36 and the newest in 2020. 37 Two studies were conducted in Australia, 37,38 and two in Canada. 36,39 Two employed qualitative methodology, whilst the remaining two were quantitative.…”

“…The included qualitative studies also reported mixed findings, with youth reporting preferences for both faceto-face consultation and telehealth mental health services for different reasons. 37,38 One qualitative study examined rural youth perspectives of technology to enhance in person mental health services. 38 In this study, youth described how face-to-face consultation was preferred because it 'honoured' their sharing of deeply personal feelings, thoughts or experiences.…”

Contributions and Risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Building Smarter Cities: Insights from a Systematic Review of the Literature

“…In rural settings, the ability to monitor patients remotely could contribute to reduced inequities and improve access to healthcare [89]. This is a particularly critical issue in countries like Australia, where in some remote areas the nearest health service provider or hospital could be located 1,000 km or further [151]. Additionally, the smart tracking of health symptoms could improve communication between patients and health care professionals [142].…”

Outcomes Research on Telemedicine-Delivered Gender-Affirming Health Care for Transgender Youth Is Needed Now: A Call to Action

“… 15–19 Other studies have examined digitally delivered interventions for sexual and gender minority youth such as HIV prevention 20 and mental health services. 21 …”