Mielenterveyskuntoutujien kokemuksia etäpalveluiden hyödyistä COVID-19-aikakaudella: Laadullinen kuvaileva tutkimus

Finland, along with the other countries in the world, has taken unprecedented social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing can affect mental health and increase loneliness for which mental health rehabilitees are particularly vulnerable. Our study aimed to describe how communication services and remote social and health services support mental health rehabilitation during the COVID-19 era. In a qualitative descriptive study, we interviewed mental health rehabilitees (n=12) recruited from third sector services across Finland. We analysed the data with an inductive content analysis. Remote services promoted the health and wellbeing of the interviewees by enabling social networking, mental health support, alleviation of loneliness, access at home, and easier access. Personal reasons, such as digital skills or challenges in social situations, and user-friendliness were elements promoting perceived benefits. Challenges in usability, interaction, and practical implementation, such as lack of privacy at home, hampered benefitting from remote services. Our results suggest that remote services may mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on mental health rehabilitees. However, the usability, interactivity, and security of services should be developed. Differences in the suitability and ability of individuals to use remote services highlight the need for providing services in various methods of remote delivery alongside physical services.