Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes for Patients of a Digital Psychology Service in Regional and Remote Parts of Australia

Abstract

Objective: The MindSpot Clinic provides psychological assessment and treatment online or via the telephone to Australian residents. This study examines patient characteristics and treatment outcomes based on geographical location. Setting: MindSpot Clinic. Design: Retrospective analysis of patients who started an online assessment between January 2020 and December 2021 and provided a valid postcode that could be categorised as either Major City (n = 34 222) or Regional/Remote (n = 13 408). Participants: Adults residing in Australia and reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety. Main Outcome Measures: Demographic and satisfaction questionnaires, K-10, PHQ-9, GAD-7. Results: Patient distribution was consistent with the national census, with 28% of patients residing in regional or remote locations. Comparison to patients from major cities showed that they were more likely to be residing in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage. The regional/remote group included a higher proportion of females and a higher proportion of Indigenous patients. Despite baseline differences, online therapist-guided treatment significantly decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results were comparable to the major city group. For both groups, effect sizes were large (> 1.0 at post-treatment), deterioration was low (< 3%) and reliable recovery rates were high (> 85%). Conclusion: Understanding differences and similarities based on geographic location is important for service provision. The MindSpot Clinic provides access to effective evidence-based psychological care to patients across Australia, and the current results support the continued provision of digital psychology services in regional and remote areas of Australia.