Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Older Adults Mental Health Services: a mixed methods study

Abstract

PurposeThe Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have a significant impact on older adults mental health care. Our study aimed to explore staff perspectives on key challenges and innovations, to help inform the delivery of older adults mental health care in subsequent waves of the pandemic.MethodsA mixed methods online questionnaire developed by NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit (MHPRU) was used to gather staff perspectives on their challenges at work, problems faced by service users and their carers, and sources of help and support. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative analysis and descriptive content analysis for qualitative analysis.Results158 participants, working in either community or inpatient settings, and from a range of professional disciplines, were included. For inpatient staff, a significant challenge was infection control. In the community, staff identified a lack of access to physical and social care as well as reduced contact with friends and families as being challenges for patients. Remote working was seen as a positive innovation along with Covid-19 related guidance from various sources and peer support.ConclusionOur study, with a focus on staff and patient well-being, helps to inform service development for future waves of the pandemic. We discuss measures to improve infection control in inpatient settings, the role of voluntary organisations in supporting socially isolated community patients, the need for better integration of physical and mental health services at an organisational level, and the importance of training staff to support patients and their families with end of life planning.

Dementia wellbeing and COVID‐19: Review and expert consensus on current research and knowledge gaps

“…Teleconsultation used in memory clinics during lockdown 80 , 81 , 87 was helpful for some carers, but others were uncertain about their purpose and usefulness 5 . An adapted UK study (PriDem) found that many people living with dementia and their family carers were avoiding contact with primary health services and had mixed opinions of the value of telephone contact from primary care 88 …”

Dementia wellbeing and COVID-19: review and expert consensus on current research and knowledge gaps

“…Teleconsultation used in memory clinics during lockdown 80,81,87 was helpful for some carers, but others were uncertain about their purpose and usefulness. 5 An adapted UK study (PriDem) found that many people living with dementia and their family carers were avoiding contact with primary health services and had mixed opinions of the value of telephone contact from primary care.…”

Advantages and disadvantages of teleworking in healthcare institutions during COVID-19: A systematic review

“… 11 Dick [ 33 ] Britannia 2020 A pilot of an in-hospital Trust radiologist reporting on in-hospital Trust patients via a remote login was undertaken Virtual desktop system/RIS messaging service/Dell UP2716D monitors/telephone/RIS; Soliton Radiology 2.2.2.1808 and PACS; Carestream 12.1.6.1005 Remote reporting is equivalent to in-hospital reporting in terms of standards, and it leads to better productivity and reduced consultation time. 12 Bhome [ 34 ] United Kingdom (UK) 2021 Geriatric mental health care workers Video calls - phone calls Teleworking has been positively received by employees working in mental health centers for the elderly. Teleworking has provided greater flexibility in work patterns, improved efficiency, and the possibility of involving a wider range of professionals in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings.…”

“…In addition to the risk of disease and physical injuries, they are exposed to all mental injuries [ 38 ], and policymakers must use all available capacities to support this group [ 39 ]. The results show that the use of teleworking during COVID-19 is a supportive tool for healthcare providers by reducing physical presence in the workplace [ 32 ], reducing working hours [ 26 ], providing more support to medical students [ 33 ], and increasing the availability of psychological management of COVID-19 for employees [ 34 ] could reduce the harm caused by COVID-19.…”