Telepsychiatry in the Age of COVID: Some Ethical Considerations
Howe-Keat Chin, Guillermo Palchik
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid escalation in the use of telepsychiatry. Herein we revisit some of the ethical issues regarding its use, including patient benefice, distributive justice, privacy, and autonomy. Based on these considerations we would hold that telepsychiatry is a vital aspect of providing psychiatric care, and ethically should be offered as a format for treatment, likely beyond the pandemic period. Investigative and advocacy efforts will need to continue to determine its exact role within psychiatric care, and expand its availability for those most in need.
Topics & Concepts
TelepsychiatryCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)AutonomyPandemicDistributive justice2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Economic JusticePsychologyMedicineTelemedicinePsychiatryPolitical scienceHealth careLawVirologyDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyOutbreakTelemedicine and Telehealth ImplementationDigital Mental Health InterventionsCOVID-19 and Mental Health