Does the corona crisis lead to a worse working relationship between practitioners and vulnerable families?

Cause The COVID-19 pandemic led to a lockdown, with mental health treatments switching to video calling (for example via Zoom or WhatsApp). This project investigated whether the working relationship between practitioners and parents was influenced by video calling. A strong working relationship is essential for good care. We looked at 846 families with multiple problems who received multisystem therapy (MST) before or during the lockdown. Results The working relationship was not affected by the use of video calling. Families with concerns about child abuse or neglect did report lower working relationships during the lockdown. Conclusions In intensive system therapy, a strong working relationship can also be built up via video calling. Video calling therefore seems to be a good enough alternative to face-to-face treatment. We don't yet know whether video calling will help solve the problems just as well. Video calling may be less suitable for families where there is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect. More research is needed into this.