COVID-19, consequences on psychiatric care and access to mental health services: A patients’ opinions survey

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has (and will continue to have) quite a strong impact on patients whose mental conditions worsen due to isolation, disruption of usual routine, activities, and loss of community support, if not the infection itself. Therefore, exploring and evaluating existing ways and proposing new ways to communicate and maintain a strong therapeutic alliance between therapists and patients was important.
Methods: A semi-structured interview based on a homemade grid designed to assess participants’ opinions on access to telehealth services and their efficiency. Period of study: March 2020 to June 2021.
Results: Impact of COVID-19 on daily life: 70% experienced isolation due to the pandemic life-changing, 65% experienced anxiety, 42% depression, and 28% anger. Teleconsultations’ perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic were perceived as a good solution for a pandemic era and no need for displacement (30%). 38% thought that video consultation is a better option than telephone consultations, with 60% stating a similar level of comfort in video/phone consultation compared to in-person. Recommendations to address Mental Health (MH) care delivery soon after this pandemic were: Patients (60%) are interested in accessing a website (or mobile application) on resources of MH services available in their city/region.
Conclusions: Results show that isolation and anxiety were the factors most affecting the social life and conditions of participants, with some significant levels of depression and anger. Participants largely accepted the transition to virtual care with some improvements.