Exploring the use of telemedicine and telepsychiatry to improve access to mental health care: a scoping review protocol

Introduction: Telepsychiatry has emerged as a critical modality for delivering mental health services, particularly during global emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review protocol outlines a comprehensive synthesis of literature to map existing evidence, barriers, and facilitators related to telepsychiatry. Methods and Analysis: We will use the methodological framework of Arksey & O'Malley, enhanced by Levac et al., and guided by PRISMA-ScR standards. Searches include PubMed, CINAHL, PsycArticles, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers will independently screen articles against eligibility criteria, extract data, and resolve discrepancies via discussion. Data will be analysed using narrative synthesis. Ethics and Dissemination: Ethics approval is not required as the review synthesizes published literature. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations.