Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on People with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness within Rehabilitation Services: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

The COVID 19 pandemic has required major changes in healthcare delivery. This study sought to understand the impact of the mental healthcare changes associated with COVID-19 on people living with severe and persisting mental illness (SPMI) and staff working in rehabilitation teams in Queensland in Australia. Telephone interviews were completed with participants diagnosed with SPMI who were supported by the rehabilitation teams of a public mental health service (n = 18). Additionally, an anonymous survey was completed with staff from these teams (n = 20, 17.5% of staff). Both datasets were analysed separately using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified through the analysis of the patient interviews: wishing the whole thing would go away; [COVID-19 has] delayed my recovery; being more socially aware; and (you've) got to be clean (which is a) good thing. Four themes emerged through the analysis of the staff survey data: needing to change the model of care; impact on patients, the impact on staff, positive impact. The perceived impact on participant’s mental health was like that which was reported in the general population. Participants’ emphasised anxiety, loneliness, boredom, and depression rather than a relapse of their primary psychotic illness. Participants noted the pandemic slowed the pace of personal recovery and limited the delivery of specialised rehabilitation programs.