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Mental Health Resources and Guidance: Coronavirus
Heidi Anne Duerr, MPH
Psychiatric Times has collected information to answer your most pressing questions, including how to prepare your office and staff, resources for patients, and information you need to implement telepsychiatry.
Psychiatric Times has collected information to answer your most pressing questions, including how to prepare your office and staff, resources for patients, and information you need to implement telepsychiatry.
Uncertainty can cause stress, which can lead to anxiety, panic, and depression. Excess media exposure, myths and misinformation, and engaging in unhealthy practices can exacerbate stress reactions in your patients and yourself.
Source: Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. Taking Care of Patients During the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Guide for Psychiatrists. https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_FS_Taking_Care_of_Patients_During_Coronavirus_Outbreak_A_Guide_for_Psychiatrists_03_03_2020.pdf
Communication is key. Advise patients to share their concerns as well as to find ways to check in with friends and family. There are plenty of apps that allow real-time chatting and experiences. For example, Netflix and Google have partnered so you can watch a movie with friends.
Boredom can cause the mind to wander in bad ways. Suggest activities that will keep patients busy and entertained. For patients who have internet access, there are virtual museum tours, movies, and games. Offline, patients can read, draw, write prose and poetry, or play card and board games.
Source: Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. Taking Care of Patients During the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Guide for Psychiatrists.
Don’t neglect basic needs. As much as possible, aim to eat healthy. Find exercise routines you can do at home. Form a new routine and schedule, including basic grooming.
Source: Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. Psychological Effects of Quarantine During the Coronavirus Outbreak: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know. https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_FS_Psychological_Effects_Quarantine_During_Coronavirus_Outbreak_Providers.pdf
On March 17th, the department of Health and Human Services paved the way for flexibility in telemedicine. Roger Severino, director of HHS’ Office for Civil Rights noted, “We are empowering medical providers to serve patients wherever they are during this national public health emergency. We are especially concerned about reaching those most at risk, including older persons and persons with disabilities.”1-3
References
1. HHS. Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html
2. APA. Best Practices in Videoconferencing-Based Telemental Health (April 2018) https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/Telepsychiatry/APA-ATA-Best-Practices-in-Videoconferencing-Based-Telemental-Health.pdf.
3. AACAP. Telepsychiatry Toolkit. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Clinical_Practice_Center/Business_of_Practice/Telepsychiatry/toolkit_videos.aspx.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration shares detailed information on preparing workplaces for COVID-19. In addition to these tips, the documents shares guidance on creating a plan, proper protective gear, and other resources.
Reference:
OSHA. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
Do you have questions? Stories or tips to share? Send them to PTEditor@mmhgroup.com. For more information, visit our coronavirus resource center for psychiatrists.