Analysis reveals how virtual care altered mental healthcare access during the pandemic, highlighting disparities faced by low-income and rural populations.
Key Points
Access to psychiatric care worsened for vulnerable groups during the pandemic, exacerbating existing barriers.
Findings indicate that while access increased for some, the quality of services per patient declined significantly.
Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows distinct disparities in access among various demographics.
The shift to virtual care presented both opportunities and challenges, particularly affecting low-income individuals.