Mental health service users' experiences of telehealth  interventions facilitated during the COVID-19 pandemic and  their relevance to nursing: An integrative review

 Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic saw the swift implementation of physical and  social distancing that impacted the way in which mental health services were facilitated. Consequently, telehealth/e-health interventions are increasing in use. Aim: This integrative review aims to explore existing literature regarding mental  health service users' experiences of telehealth interventions facilitated through the  COVID-19 pandemic, to determine the visibility of nursing involvement in the facilitation of telehealth interventions and to use these experiences to inform nursing  practice. Method: A methodical search of eight (n= 8) academic databases was undertaken  using CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, MEDLINE  and Academic Search Complete between January 2020 and January 2022. Results: A total of 5133 papers were screened by title and abstract of which (n= 77)  progressed for full-text screening. Five (n= 5) papers met the inclusion criteria for this  review and results were mapped onto the four meta-paradigms of nursing: person;  where the findings discuss the acceptability of telehealth interventions; environment;  where the findings highlight barriers and facilitators to the use of telehealth interventions; health; where the findings discuss staff time and logistical issues relating to telehealth interventions and nursing; where the findings centre around the therapeutic  relationship.  Discussion: This review highlights there is a paucity of direct evidence relating to  nursing involvement in the facilitation of telehealth interventions. However, there are  benefits to the use of telehealth interventions that include increased access to services, less perceived stigma and increased engagement which are relevant to nursing  practice. A lack of individual contact and concerns relating to infrastructure indicates  a fondness for face-to-face interventions remains high. Implications for Practice: There is a need for further research on the role of the nurse  in the facilitation of telehealth interventions, specific interventions used and out?comes of such interventions.