MODELS AND METHODS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Introduction. The studies on COVID-19 pandemic psychological effects on populations and reports with experience of provided psychological support and mental health care in different countries (especially China, Italy) have already been published since the pandemic outbreak. The observed psychological phenomena and practical experience may become useful for development of psychological support strategies in the pandemic situation in Ukraine. Purpose. The aim of this study was to review, analyze and systematize the models and methods of psychological support during the COVID-19 pandemic that were published in foreign psychological journals and official health care guides. Results. Three types of the models and methods were identified at the reviewed publications and systematized accordingly: (1) general psychological support models and strategies used in a whole state, a certain system (e.g. health care or mental health care systems) or a certain institution; (2) specific methods of psychological support (new or modified to pandemic conditions); (3) psychological recommendations for self-support and support of close others, including family members and children. Conclusions. The performed analysis of the mentioned above models, methods and recommendations showed several general reference points, on which the psychological support was based: (1) “accessibility”: (a) remote assistance through mobile applications or phones proposed by psychologists, psychiatrists and volunteers from certain organizations, including healthcare institutions, and (b) free of cost or affordable prices; (2) “continuity”: maximum opportunities to continue psychological support or mental health care was provided for those who was already in the process; (3) “focus”: new requests were seen as requiring urgent interventions with the focus on current feelings, difficulties and possible solutions, (4) “interdisciplinary”: an accent on joint work of various departments and public services allowing medical staff to refer patients to a psychologist, and a psychologist could refer clients to a psychiatrist or to the social service; (5) “education”: the emphasis on psychological education and recommendations of specific actions, solutions, ways to cope that can be used independently during the pandemic. These 5 reference points can be useful for development of the model of psychological support during the COVID-19 outbreak in Ukraine.