BACKGROUND
Telemedicine-based interventions have promise in addressing mental health issues among rural populations, yet evidence regarding its impact among healthcare workforce in these contexts remains limited.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the response and perceptions of recently graduated physicians working in rural areas of Peru regarding a telehealth intervention aimed at providing remote orientation and accompaniment in mental health.
METHODS
A mixed-method study was carried out involving physicians who graduated from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and participated in the Mental Health Accompaniment Program (MHAP) from August 2022 to February 2023. This program comprised the assessment of mental health conditions via online forms, dissemination of informational materials through a website, and, for those with moderate or high level of mental health issues, provision of a personalized follow-up by trained personnel. Quantitative analysis explored the mental health issues identified among physicians, while qualitative analysis, utilizing semi-structured interviews, examined their perceptions of the services provided.
RESULTS
Out of 75 physicians initially enrolled to MHAP, 30 (41.6%) opted to undergo assessment and utilize the services. The average age of participants was 26.8 years (SD: 1.9), with 17 being female (56.7%). About 36% reported have current or previous mental health issues, 17 (56.7%) indicating some level of depression, 14 (46.7%) some level of anxiety, 5 (16.6%) presenting suicidal risk, and two participants (6.7%) having attempted suicide during the program. Physicians who did not use the services of program referred lack of advertising and information related, reliance on personal mental health resources or neglect of symptoms. Those who utilized the program expressed positive perception regarding the services, including evaluation and follow-up, although some faced challenges accessing the website.
CONCLUSIONS
The MHAP was a well-received intervention that allow the identification and management on mental health problems within recently graduated physicians working in rural areas of Peru. Nonetheless, certain aspects require attention in its development to enhance its accessibility on this population.