Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38458801›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2024

Telephone-based telepsychiatry consultations: a qualitative exploration of psychiatrists' experiences in Oman.

Tamadhir Al-Mahrouqi, Kamila Al-Alawi, Fatema Al-Sabahi, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Hamed Al-Sinawi, Naser Al-Balushi, Muna Al-Shekaili, Mohammed Al-Alawi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Mental Health Stigma and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Oman.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025
    Article
  4. Article
  5. Article
  6. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Tamadhir Al-MahrouqiOman Medical Speciality Board, Muscat, Oman.ORCID 0000-0002-7429-1504
Kamila Al-AlawiOman Medical Speciality Board, Muscat, Oman.
Fatema Al-SabahiInternship Training Program, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
Ahmed Al-HarrasiSultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman drharrasi@squ.edu.om.
Hamed Al-SinawiSultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
Naser Al-BalushiSultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
Muna Al-ShekailiAl Masarra Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Mohammed Al-AlawiSultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesThe utilisation of tele-mental health services has the potential to address challenges in mental health services within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, the adoption of tele-mental health in Oman remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of psychiatrists with telephone consultations, offering valuable insights to advance the field of telepsychiatry.

designThis is a qualitative exploratory study. The analysis of the data involved the application of manifest content analysis.

settingThe semi-structured interviews were conducted with the psychiatrists at Al Masarra Hospital.

participantsA total of 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted.

resultsThe study reveals that psychiatrists encounter communication challenges in telephone consultations, such as the absence of visual cues, confirming patient identity, conducting comprehensive assessments and effectively communicating with younger patients who may lack developed social skills or patients with specific health conditions. Infrastructure limitations, such as outdated medical records, lack of electronic prescriptions and limited availability of child/adolescent psychiatric medications, further restrict the effectiveness of telepsychiatry consultations. In contrast, telephone appointments offer convenience and flexibility for psychiatrists, allowing them to manage non-clinical responsibilities and provide focused consultations tailored to individual needs. In addition, it benefits patients by improving appointment adherence, diminishing stigma and financial savings compared with in-person consultations.

conclusionsTele-mental health has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing mental healthcare services in Oman. Addressing psychiatrists' challenges is crucial to further developing and strengthening these services.

Indexed as

PsychiatryTelemedicineAdolescentChildHumansOmanPsychiatristsReferral and ConsultationTelephoneHealth Services AccessibilityPSYCHIATRYTelemedicine

Identifiers

PMID38458801
PMCPMC10928775

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.