Remote psychiatric assessment for expert witness reports
Remote assessment by secure video is a routine part of medico-legal psychiatric practice. It removes the delay and cost of travel, and for many instructions produces a report of the same standard as an in-person appointment. It is not, however, a substitute for in-person assessment in every case, and the decision to proceed remotely is made on clinical grounds, not on convenience alone.
When remote assessment is appropriate
Remote assessment is generally suitable for straightforward diagnostic and causation questions in personal injury and clinical negligence work, for occupational health and employment tribunal instructions, and for examinees who cannot readily travel to an in-person appointment because of distance, disability or the nature of the condition itself.
It is often the fastest route to a report where a case timetable is tight, and it extends the practical reach of the practice to examinees anywhere in Scotland — see Scotland-wide coverage.
When it is not clinically appropriate
Remote assessment is not proposed where capacity, cognitive impairment, risk, or a complex mental state examination requires close in-person observation, or where the examinee has difficulty with the technology that cannot be resolved. In those cases an in-person appointment is arranged instead, in Glasgow, Edinburgh or elsewhere by agreement — see Glasgow and Edinburgh. The choice is confirmed before the appointment is fixed, and explained in the report if it changes after assessment has begun.
Consent and confidentiality
As with an in-person assessment, the purpose of the assessment, the absence of a treating relationship, and the fact that the report goes to the instructing agent rather than being confidential to the examinee, are explained and confirmed before the interview starts. Consent is recorded in the report.
The video platform used is encrypted, and the examinee is asked to confirm they are in a private space and alone, unless a companion has been agreed in advance. No other person may observe or record the assessment without disclosure.
Technical requirements
The examinee needs a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private room free of interruption for the duration of the interview. Details, including a test link where useful, are provided in advance by the instructing agent or directly by the practice — see the assessment for the general arrangements that apply regardless of format.
Acceptance by courts and tribunals
Remote psychiatric assessment is well established and is accepted by Scottish courts and tribunals, including the Employment Tribunal and the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland, provided the report is transparent about the method used. Where a remote assessment is later challenged, the report's record of consent, venue and any limitation is what allows the method to be defended at proof — see reports.
Instructions suited to remote assessment
Remote assessment is used across the practice, including anxiety and depression and immigration and asylum work. See expertise for the full range.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a report based on a remote assessment admissible in a Scottish court?
- Yes. Courts and tribunals in Scotland accept psychiatric evidence founded on a remote assessment, provided the report explains why that method was used and records anything it could not capture.
- What if the video connection fails partway through?
- The assessment is paused and, where enough of the interview has not been completed, rearranged either remotely or in person; the report records any interruption and its effect, if any, on the opinion given.
- Can a companion be present during a remote assessment?
- The same principles as an in-person assessment apply: a companion may observe but does not participate, and their presence is recorded in the report.
- Does remote assessment cost less than an in-person appointment?
- Remote assessment removes travel time and cost, which is reflected in the fee estimate given at instruction — see fees and timescales.
Instructing Dr Qureshi
Instructions are accepted from pursuer and defender agents, insurers, regulatory bodies and occupational health providers. A conflict check is carried out before any instruction is accepted.
Or call 07739 587092.