The specialist health service for geriatric psychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Older patients with mental disorders are particularly likely to be affected by negative consequences of the infection control measures that have been implemented as a result of the COVID-19pandemic. A questionnaire survey was sent to 18 departments of geriatric psychiatry from all four health regions in Norway. Altogether 83 therapists from various occupational groups responded, with representatives from all the health regions. Almost one-half (45.8%) reported an exacerbation of patients' mental condition to a large or very large degree due to social isolation, and an equal proportion (48.2%) reported that normal follow-up was limited. The contact between the specialist and primary health services was reduced, and 15.6% reported that patients had failed to receive the necessary somatic medical assistance to a large or very large degree. The service for older patients with mental disorders in the specialist health service was reduced as a result of the COVID-19pandemic, while coordination with the primary health service was also curtailed, and many patients deteriorated mentally as a result of the infection control measures. Collaboration between the specialist and primary health services may be an important focus area for this patient group.