Distance in Distant Care: Qualitative Content Analysis of Providers' Experiences in Tele-Mental Care

Introduction Tele–mental care is ubiquitous worldwide [1]. It is effective and even preferred by patients [2]. Yet, providers have expressed concerns that the technology limits conveying nonverbal cues [3,4] or impedes the therapeutic relationship [3,5]. These key aspects of communication and interpersonal connection in care could be described as types of distances, where spatial distance could prevent patient observation, and psychological distance may prevent effective interpersonal connection. Considering the growing use of tele–mental care and the relevance of these forms of distance for successful tele–mental care encounters, this study was conducted to explore these or other forms of “distance” that arise in providers’ descriptions of tele–mental care encounters.