Consultant psychiatrists's experience of the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on mental health services in Ireland

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dc.contributor.authorKelleher, Eric
dc.contributor.authorGeary, Eoin
dc.contributor.authorTawfik, Mary
dc.contributor.authorNí Mhuircheartaigh, Eimear
dc.contributor.authorGavin, Blánaid
dc.contributor.authorWall, Mary
dc.contributor.authorLyne, John
dc.contributor.authorDoherty, Anne M.
dc.contributor.authorMcNicholas, Fiona
dc.date.accessioned2021-05-11T12:45:30Z
dc.date.available2021-05-11T12:45:30Z
dc.date.issued2021-04-29
dc.date.updated2021-05-07T10:12:09Z
dc.description.abstractObjectives: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide threatening human health. To reduce transmission, a ‘lockdown’ was introduced in Ireland between March-May 2020. The aim of this study is to capture the experiences of Consultant Psychiatrists during lockdown and their perception of its impact on Mental Health Services. Methods: A questionnaire designed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists was adapted and circulated to Consultant members of the College of Psychiatrists following the easing of restrictions. The questionnaire assessed the perceived impact on referral rates, mental health act provision, availability of Information Technology (IT), consultant well-being and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Thematic analysis was employed to analyse free-text sections. Results: Response rate was 32% (N=197/623). Consultants reported an initial decrease/significant decrease in referrals in the first month of lockdown (68%, N=95/140) followed by an increase/significant increase in the second month for both new (83%, N=100/137) and previously attending patients (65%, N=88/136). Social isolation and reduced face-to-face mental health supports were among the main reasons identified. The needs of children and older adults were highlighted. Most consultants (76%, N=98/129) felt their working day was affected and their well-being reduced (52%, N=61/119). The majority felt IT equipment availability was inadequate (67%, N=88/132). Main themes identified from free-text sections were service management, relationship between patients and healthcare service and effects on consultants’ lives. Conclusions: The COVID19 pandemic has placed increased pressure on service provision and consultant wellness. This further supports the longstanding need to increase mental health service investment in Ireland.en
dc.description.statusPeer revieweden
dc.description.versionAccepted Versionen
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.citationKelleher, E., Geary, E., Tawfik, M., Ní­ Mhuircheartaigh, E., Gavin, B., Wall, M., Lyne, J., Doherty, A. M. and McNicholas, F. (2021) 'Consultant psychiatrists's experience of the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on mental health services in Ireland', Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine. doi: 10.1017/ipm.2021.41en
dc.identifier.doi10.1017/ipm.2021.41en
dc.identifier.eissn2051-6967
dc.identifier.issn0790-9667
dc.identifier.journaltitleIrish Journal of Psychological Medicineen
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/11287
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherCambridge University Pressen
dc.rights© 2021, College of Psychiatrists of Ireland. Published by Cambridge University Press.en
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/en
dc.subjectCovid19en
dc.subjectMental healthen
dc.subjectConsultant experienceen
dc.titleConsultant psychiatrists's experience of the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on mental health services in Irelanden
dc.typeArticle (peer-reviewed)en
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