Abstract
The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide threatening human health. To reduce transmission, a 'lockdown' was introduced in Ireland between March and May 2020. The aim of this study is to capture the experiences of consultant psychiatrists during lockdown and their perception of it's impact on mental health services. A questionnaire designed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists was adapted and circulated to consultant members of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland following the easing of restrictions. The questionnaire assessed the perceived impact on referral rates, mental health act provision, availability of information technology (IT), consultant well-being and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). Thematic analysis was employed to analyse free-text sections. Response rate was 32% (n = 197/623). Consultants reported an initial decrease/significant decrease in referrals in the first month of lockdown (68%, n = 95/140) followed by an increase/significant increase in the second month for both new (83%, n = 100/137) and previously attending patients (65%, n = 88/136). Social isolation and reduced face-to-face mental health supports were among the main reasons identified. The needs of children and older adults were highlighted. Most consultants (76%, n = 98/129) felt their working day was affected and their well-being reduced (52%, n = 61/119). The majority felt IT equipment availability was inadequate (67%, n = 88/132). Main themes identified from free-text sections were service management, relationship between patients and healthcare service and effects on consultants' lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed increased pressure on service provision and consultant wellness. This further supports the longstanding need to increase mental health service investment.
Highlights
Since its identification in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) commonly referred to as ‘COVID-19’ has moved swiftly through the world causing a global pandemic
Social isolation and reduced face-to-face mental health supports were among the main reasons identified
The first community acquired case in Ireland was identified in February 2020 (Faller et al 2020) with the World Health Organisation declaring a pandemic on 11th
Summary
Since its identification in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) commonly referred to as ‘COVID-19’ has moved swiftly through the world causing a global pandemic. The first community acquired case in Ireland was identified in February 2020 (Faller et al 2020) with the World Health Organisation declaring a pandemic on 11th. Due to the acceleration of the death rate from coronavirus, the government declared a ‘stay-at-home’ order or ‘lockdown’ on 27th March 2020, with individuals advised to stay at home insofar as possible and to only exercise/move within a 2-km radius of their home. The effect of these measures impacted every aspect of daily life. The lockdown officially lasted from 27th March to 18th May 2020 when the government published a ‘roadmap’ to the easing of restrictions (Department of the Taoiseach, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
