Integrative Biomedical Research
Integrative Biomedical Research (Journal of Angiotherapy) | Online ISSN 3068-6326
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Volume 8 Number 8 2024
REVIEWS (Open Access)
Technology-Enabled Psychosocial Care During Periods of Isolation: A Systematic Review of Digital Interventions and Mental Health Outcomes
Talal Saeed Mohammed Al-Qahtani 1, Muidh Hussain Mohammad AL-Shehri 1, Ibrahim Mohammad Ahmed Al-asiri 1, Ibrahim Eid Hazza Al-Anzi 1, Faisal Jabbar Salman Alshehri 1, Ali Salem Ali Al Kaban 1, Abdulaziz Hassan Bishi Algarni 1, Dhafer Ali Dhafer Al Shehri 1, Amjad Mohammad Ali Najmi 1, Shouq Hamed Ahmed Alamri 1, Mohammed Ali Rubayyi Alrashidi 3, Turki Mohammed Juvayn Alsamrah 3, Khalid Saleh Lafi Alanazi 3, Naif Mohammed Alsuhaymi 3, Turkey Abdullah Bamatraf 3, Fahad Farej F. Alshammari 3, Saud Mohammed Barjas Al-Shammari 3 *
Journal of Angiotherapy 8 (8) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/angiotherpay.8810536
Submitted: 27 May 2024 Revised: 14 August 2024 Accepted: 20 August 2024 Published: 22 August 2024
Abstract
Periods of enforced social isolation whether caused by pandemics, natural disasters, or political instability fundamentally reshape how individuals connect, cope, and access care. The sudden interruption of in-person mental health and social services during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in traditional delivery systems, leaving many people without essential support precisely when psychological distress, loneliness, and uncertainty intensified. In response, technology rapidly evolved from a supplementary tool into an indispensable lifeline for both clients and practitioners. This systematic review synthesises peer-reviewed literature published between 2013 and 2025 to examine how technology-assisted interventions and tele-social work have been used to sustain mental health and social services during periods of isolation. Across the studies, digital platforms—ranging from videoconferencing and secure messaging to therapeutic apps and online peer groups—enabled continuity of counselling, assessments, case management, and resource navigation. These tools often helped reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness while preserving meaningful therapeutic connection, even through a screen. Yet the transition was far from seamless. Persistent inequities in digital access, varying levels of technological literacy, concerns about privacy and confidentiality, and challenges in building rapport remotely shaped the effectiveness and ethics of digital practice. Practitioners also faced new demands for competency in virtual environments, reaffirming the need for ongoing training and hybrid care models. Overall, the evidence underscores that technology can strengthen resilience within human service systems, but only when integration is intentional, equitable, and ethically grounded. Future practice must focus on bridging digital divides while preserving the human connection at the core of care.
Keywords: Tele-social work; Telemental health; Social isolation; Digital care; Digital divide; Technology-assisted services; Mental health support
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