As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed and clinicians were not able to safely interact with patients in person, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health implemented telepsychiatry, in the form of both video and audio-only visits, to ensure access and continuity of care during a time when in-person interactions were unsafe and to reduce the risk of avoidable disease transmission. This case study discusses the outcomes.
Impact / Outcome
As VCU Health’s psychiatry program went from an almost exclusively in-person model in FY2020 to one that relied primarily on telepsychiatry to connect with patients in FY2021, there was no reported decline in accessibility of care over time among VCU Health’s older patient population. This is notable, as older adults often have more difficulty accessing and using virtual care technology. Patients appreciate the option to receive telepsychiatry services in the privacy and comfort of their homes.
Funding sources
Public/Private
Key Metrics
Implement telepsychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure access and continuity of care
Operating model
Fully privateYear published
01 January 2021 
American Medical Association (AMA)