Abstract
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affected our collective well-being. Measures during a pandemic may disproportionately impact individuals with mental illness.
AIM: To measure the impact of COVID-19 on clients of FACT and autism teams over three waves.
METHOD: Through a digital questionnaire participants (wave 1: n=100; wave 2: n=150; Omikron wave: n=15) reported on: <br />1. mental health, 2. outpatient care experiences, 3. government measures and information services.
RESULTS: Happiness was rated on average with a 6 in the first two waves, positive consequences of wave 1 (clearer world, more reflection) persisted. The most frequently mentioned negative consequences were: decreased social interactions, increased mental problems and daily functioning. No new experiences were mentioned during the Omikron wave. The quality and amount of mental health care was rated ≥7 by 75-80%. Phone and video consultations were the most frequently mentioned positive care experience; missing face-to-face contact was considered most negative. Measures were harder to sustain in the second wave. Vaccination readiness and vaccination coverage were high.
CONCLUSION: All COVID-19-waves show a consistent picture. Telepsychiatry was evaluated positively. Considering the results, the mental health sector could be ready for a next lockdown taking into account possibly higher expectations of clients.
| Translated title of the contribution | The impact of COVID-19 according to people in care at FACT and autism teams: wave 1 and 2 and Omikron wave |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 234-240 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie |
| Volume | 65 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - Apr-2023 |