The challenge of community mental health interventions with patients, relatives, and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a real-world 9-month follow-up study

Abstract

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to implement protocols that respond to the mental health demands of the population has been demonstrated. The PASMICOR programme started in March 2020, involving a total of 210 requests for treatment. Out of those subjects, the intervention was performed in 53 patients with COVID-19 without history of past psychiatric illness, 57 relatives and 60 health professionals, all of them within the area of Salamanca (Spain). Interventions were carried out by professionals of the public mental health service mostly by telephone. Depending on clinical severity, patients received basic (level I) or complex psychotherapeutic care combined with psychiatric care (level II). The majority of attended subjects were women (76.5%). Anxious-depressive symptoms were predominant, although sadness was more frequent in patients, insomnia in relatives and anxiety and fear in health professionals. 80% of the sample, particularly most of the health professionals, required a high-intensity intervention (level II). Nearly 50% of the people treated were discharged after an average of 5 interventions. Providing early care to COVID-19 patients, relatives and professionals by using community mental health resources can help to reduce the negative impact of crises, such as the pandemic, on the most affected population groups.

Follow-up of telemedicine mental health interventions amid COVID-19 pandemic

“…After 9 months of data collection, an interim study was analysed and showed that fear was a predominant emotion among healthcare workers while sadness and feelings of helplessness were more common among patients. Fear and sadness were also prevalent among family members 17 . The most effective treatments included techniques related to emotional expression and regulation as well as self-care.…”

“…The most effective treatments included techniques related to emotional expression and regulation as well as self-care. Mindfulness was particularly effective among healthcare professionals while grief counselling and providing information about available resources were beneficial for family members 17 . After 18 months of follow-up the program was closed, and no new patient were admitted since October.…”

“…Due to limitations on in-person contact resulting from the risk of contagion, telemedicine has been successfully implemented and has proven effective in addressing mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic 16 . As a result, specific mental health programs targeting vulnerable populations are needed, trying to avoid overbooking of the regular mental health service 17 , 18 .…”