The Effect Of Teletherapy And Nurse Led Clinics On Quality Of Life In Patients With Mental Health Disorders - A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background

Mental health disorders significantly impact individuals' thinking, behavior, and well-being, with conditions like depression and anxiety being prevalent globally. Managing these disorders is challenging due to the need for long-term care, stigma, symptom variability, and limited access to services, especially in rural areas. The scarcity of psychiatrists in developing countries exacerbates these issues. Alternative care models, such as teletherapy and nurse-led clinics, offer promising solutions by improving accessibility and reducing stigma.

Materials and Methods

This was a comparative study conducted in the department of psychiatry of a tertiary care teaching hospital. 200 patients with mental illnesses were enrolled in this study to assess the impact of nurse-led clinics and teletherapy on quality of life (QOL). Group T (100 patients) received standard care plus additional support in the form of teletherapy and nurse led clinics, while Group C (100 patients) received only standard care. Baseline and post-intervention QOL were measured using the QOL 10 scale. Data analysis used chi-square tests, with a p-value <0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

The study found no significant differences in gender distribution or mean age between Group T (32% males, mean age 37.02) and Group C (43% males, mean age 39.12). Anxiety disorders were the most prevalent in both groups. Group T, receiving teletherapy and nurse-led interventions, showed significant improvement in all 10 domains of the QOL 10 scale over 12 weeks (P < 0.0001), while Group C, receiving standard care, did not show statistically significant improvements (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Nurse led interventions and teletherapy was more effective in improving the quality of life score (QOL 10) in patients with mental health issues as compared to those who received only standard care.