The Doctor Is (Virtually) In: Using Electronic Consultation to Provide Prompt Psychiatric Services

Abstract

The excessive wait times many patients face when attempting to access psychiatric care are alarming. With the advent of smartphones and greater connectivity, some providers have attempted to leverage new technology to deliver faster psychiatric care to patients. Using a secure online application, eConsult connects primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists asynchronously. That is, PCPs send questions about a patient’s care in the same way they might send an e-mail, attaching any additional files they deem relevant (images and test results, for example). In a recent position paper, the Canadian Psychiatric Association and the College of Family Physicians of Canada stressed the importance of collaboration between their disciplines, adding that mental health care providers should seek innovative ways to engage with PCPs. The eConsult service provides an ideal venue for such exchanges. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)