The good: Better work hours and telemedicine
Just as we recognize and learn from the pandemic's negative effects, we also need to learn from the positive ones. The two most apparent are more flexible workplaces and better access to mental health services through telemedicine.
Working from home has become the new normal for many people during the pandemic.4 In the early days of COVID-19, for instance, nearly half of the businesses in the United States implemented telecommuting policies.5
Working from home reduces commuting-related stress and can improve work-life balance.
Necessity also pushed the need for more and better access to telemental health services.
There is now better access for patients who were once shut out of mental health services. I can now counsel patients who are homebound, are in hospice care or have physical limitations or issues that prohibit travel to the clinic.
While telemental health services have been available for some time, the pandemic prompted healthcare professionals and patients to have a more favorable view of them.