Psychiatrists’ Experiences in Managing Medications via Online Platforms during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Mahnoush  Mahdiar; Hadi  Ranjbar; Elham  Shirazi; Fateme  TaghaviZanjani; Alireza  Javan; Mohammad  Ghadirivasfi

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21822

Mahnoush Mahdiar Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hadi Ranjbar Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Elham Shirazi Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Fateme TaghaviZanjani Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Alireza Javan Emergency Medicine Management Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ghadirivasfi Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors (ReCARB), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21822

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Medication management, Telepsychiatry

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional psychiatric practices that depend on face-to-face interactions. Patients with psychiatric disorders often have higher rates of other health issues, which worsen their outcomes when infected with COVID-19. This underscores the need for timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as accessible psychiatric services, especially considering the possibility of future pandemics.

Methods: A qualitative study conducted in 2024 involved selected psychiatry faculty members from Tehran’s psychiatry departments, who were experienced in online consultations. Semi-structured interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis (Graneheim and Lundman approach). Ethical considerations and informed consent were ensured.

Results: The study involved 14 faculty members from the Psychiatry Department of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Their experiences with telepsychiatry consultations in medication management were examined. Among the participants, four were women and 10 were men. Data analysis using conventional content analysis produced 7 main themes and 13 subcategories. The main themes included advantages of telepsychiatry, challenges of telepsychiatry, impact on doctor-patient relationships, effects on diagnosis and treatment, job satisfaction of psychiatrists, ethical and privacy concerns, and training and preparedness of psychiatrists.

Conclusion: Telepsychiatry can improve access to mental health care. This study offers insights for policymakers and healthcare leaders on the practicality and infrastructure needed for widespread telepsychiatry adoption, especially in future crises. Adopting telepsychiatry can enhance community mental health and ensure reliable access to psychiatric services.