Outpatient mental health care during high incidence phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany - changes in utilization, challenges and post-COVID care.
Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci
; 2024 Sep 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39218918
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
As only a few studies have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health outpatient system so far, the aim of the COVID Ψ Outpatient Survey was to gain insight from outpatient providers in Germany regarding changes in utilization; associated problems and challenges; telemedicine services; interactions with inpatient and nursing home services; and experiences with post-COVID syndromes.METHODS:
Between July and September 2021, we invited 351 randomly selected outpatient mental health specialists to take part in the online survey via e-mail. Additionally, we extended an invitation to professional associations to encourage their members to participate. N = 105 physicians of most regions of Germany took part in the survey.RESULTS:
Survey participants reported changes in utilization during the high incidence phases (HIP) of the pandemic using pre-formulated categories For the first HIP in spring 2020, 31% of the survey participants reported a decrease > 20% and 5% an increase > 20% of patient contacts. For the third HIP in spring 2021, 4% reported a decrease > 20% of contacts, while 30% an increase > 20%. Participants chose "patient's fears of infection" and "providers protection measures" as reasons for decreases, and "pandemic related anxieties", "economic stressors", and "capacity reductions of the inpatient system" as reasons for increases of patient contact. Many providers introduced telemedicine services. A majority reported consultations for post-COVID syndromes already in spring 2021.CONCLUSIONS:
The survey hinted at changes in utilization, multiple problems but as well good-practice-solutions in the mental health outpatient system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci
/
Eur. arch. psychiatr. clin. neurosci
/
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience
Journal subject:
NEUROLOGIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Alemania
Country of publication:
Alemania