Highlighting that coronavirus pandemic has induced mental health concerns, both pre-existing and new-onset triggered by lifestyle restrictions and uncertain future, the Centre has issued guidelines stating that COVID-19 facilities should have provision for psychiatric consultation. The Union health ministry on Sunday issued ‘Guidelines on Managing Mental Illness in Hospital Settings during COVID-19′ stating there are at least three groups affected by mental health concerns during the pandemic.
Research suggests that depression (present in about 30 percent of diagnosed patients) and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (almost everybody diagnosed with COVID-19–96 percent) could be extremely high. Secondly, pre-existent patients with psychiatric disorders may experience a recurrence or worsening of their symptoms during the pandemic.
The government suggested establishing a hotline between a mental health institution and a nearby covid-designated hospital to facilitate easy transfer of patients across facilities.
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The guidelines also stressed the importance of training all healthcare workers in waste disposal, sanitization of establishments, maintaining social and physical distancing, and putting on and taking off personal protective equipment.
Rules have been drawn up to address the needs of covid-19 patients who are suffering from trauma or stress, pandemic-induced depression, and those who are already suffering from severe mental health conditions.
The government said the guidelines are based on the recommendations and protocols of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the available information on covid-19.
According to the guidelines, the COVID-19 facility should have a facility for consultation with a psychiatrist either in person or by teleconsultation, while admitting a person with mental illness, and at no point should any psychotropic medication be stopped abruptly without a psychiatrist’s advice, unless in case of a life-threatening emergency. Also, the bed allocated for the patient should be preferably close to the nursing station to ensure he or she can be observed round-the-clock while steps must be taken to ensure that the windows are well boarded and there is no access to instruments to harm self/others, they said.
Information about PPE and social distancing can be provided using simple language and visual depictions or videos and contact with caregivers should be maintained via the video-call facility at set times in the day. Care-givers must be provided daily updates regarding both the physical and mental health conditions of the patient, the guidelines stated.
The challenges faced by mental health service providers include difficulty in isolating/quarantining patients with active symptoms of mania and acute psychosis, as well as people with mental health emergencies. Also, patients with psychiatric disorders (by virtue of their symptoms) may not cooperate during swabbing and testing and thus may have to be sedated, and some of the procedures and appropriate tests may get delayed.
“Staff has to be in close contact with some of the patients who are at risk of violence or suicidality and to keep a check on them frequently. “Some patients may be uncooperative or at times hostile (for example, those with delusional disorders, psychotic disorders) to the treating team, creating additional challenges to the health providers. Provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 have to be complied with-particularly those related to the assessment of capacity,supported admission, etc,” the document highlighted.
Besides, homeless persons with mental illnesses are usually brought (including those with intellectual disabilities) to Mental Health Establishments (MHEs). Such patients often fail to provide proper history and no reliable informants would be available in most cases. Also, the lack of identity proof and valid phone numbers for the COVID testing (prerequisite as per the ICMR guidelines) are commonly seen in this population, adding to the challenges faced by the mental health service providers, it said. “Patients and caregivers need to be encouraged not to visit OPDs of MHEs unless any emergency arises. In case of difficulty in procuring medications locally, they can contact the local/state/national helpline number services for further assistance.
“Services like home visits for patients who are unable to visit the OPDs, but require clinical consultation need to be initiated,” the guidelines said. The guidelines also stated that MHEs need to constitute a Hospital Infection Committee which ensures the implementation of the newer norms recommended by the health ministry during the pandemic at their establishments, so as to safely practice mental health services.
As far as outpatient facilities are concerned, only appointment-based OPD consultations to prevent crowding should be encouraged. In addition, provision for telemedicine/telepsychiatry services shall be utilized for reducing the footfalls further.
The document mentions guidelines for the management of COVID-19 in special populations — elderly with mental illness, perinatal women with mental illness, children and adolescents with mental illness, substance use disorder (Alcohol), and substance use disorder (Tobacco).
