UPDATE AUGUST 2003:  The study showed encouraging levels of acceptance of the technology in this setting.  All service users who replied to the questionnaire said they would be willing to use the videolink again.  Both professionals and users were able to achieve their aims during the meeting via videolink as readily as in the face-to-face condition.  Following this preliminary study, the videolink has been integrated into the everyday running of the service, linking the community mental health team to the acute psychiatric ward and primary care.