Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: 'Learning the hard way' - adapting long-term IAPT service provision using lessons from past outbreaks.

Lilian Skilbeck,Ian Roylance,Christopher Spanton

doi:10.1017/s1754470x20000379

Abstract

(1)To understand the development of IAPT within the NHS mental health services.(2)To understand the nature of past outbreaks and COVID-19.(3)To reflect on lessons from past outbreaks in order to understand how IAPT can respond to the long-term effects of COVID-19.

Highlights

Since its inception in 2008, the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme has evolved and developed treatment for mood and anxiety disorders
The main questions for reflection are: how does COVID-19 compare with previous outbreaks? How have mental health responses developed from previous outbreaks? What needs to be developed further in response to COVID-19? In response to these questions, the current paper aims to reflect on lessons from past outbreaks in order to consider how IAPT can respond to the long-term effects of COVID-19
How can IAPT services reflect on lessons from past outbreaks in order to develop a pragmatic approach, integrate with other services and meet the long-term needs of patients and staff affected by COVID-19?

Summary

Introduction

Since its inception in 2008, the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme has evolved and developed treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. How can IAPT services reflect on lessons from past outbreaks in order to develop a pragmatic approach, integrate with other services and meet the long-term needs of patients and staff affected by COVID-19?. As outlined in the above lessons, this model emphasises staff psychological first aid focused on recognising the early warning signs of distress in staff and providing support in order to prevent the development of diagnosable mental health disorders whilst planning for appropriate psychological intervention where needed These lessons have been further implemented within IAPT service provision. They advise pragmatic approaches that promote behaviour change via MDT interventions and meaningful involvement of communities These past lessons have recently been developed for the mental health needs of vulnerable groups in the UK NHS during the acute phase of COVID-19.

Discussion

Limitations