Virtual Delivery of Early Psychosis Care: Retrospective Cohort Study of Factors Associated With Initial Engagement

This study is innovative in that it examines the self-reported health equity and service use factors that may contribute to nonattendance when most EPI appointments are delivered virtually, unlike previous studies that focused solely on differences in attendance rates. Although it was during the COVID-19 pandemic and may not be representative of virtual care in real-world practice, this study suggests that virtual care may improve initial engagement in EPI services; however, barriers to care still exist for Black patients and those referred from the emergency department. A hybrid model may improve connection to EPI, though targeted approaches are needed to bridge the digital divide and ensure that structurally marginalized and high-acuity patients have equitable access to care.