Difficulties and Concerns of Patients with Severe Mental Disorders and Their Caregivers During Hospitalization and After Discharge During the First Wave of COVID-19 Epidemic

Abstract

Objectives: The Covid-19 has caused anxiety and stress in people all over the world. One of the most vulnerable groups during this epidemic are people with psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigate the leading causes of concern among patients with psychiatric disorders and their families during and after hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to improve the care and service given to these patients and their caregivers regarding their concerns. Methods: In this study, 48 patients with psychiatric disorders hospitalized from late February to late April 2020 in the Iran Psychiatric Hospital were contacted by telephone. They completed a questionnaire related to the covid-19 pandemic and the problems caused by it during and after their hospitalization. Results: Inability to meet with family and the fear of infection to Covid-19 were among the main concerns of these patients at the time of admission. Their most worrying factors after discharge were the negative impact of quarantine on the recurrence of psychiatric illness. On the other hand, the most significant concern during the hospitalization of a patient with Covid-19 is the caregivers of these patients after discharge and the inaccessibility to a physician. Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic has caused challenges in treating psychiatric patients; thus, this study suggests some solutions such as providing a safe place for doctors to visit the patients, recommending the patients and the caregivers to observe self-hygiene protocols, and seeing patients virtually.