Difficulties and Concerns of a Group of Patients With Severe Mental Disorders and Their Caregivers During Hospitalization and After Discharge at the Time of the First Wave of COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective: The Covid-19 virus has caused anxiety and stress in various people. One of the most vulnerable groups during this epidemic are people with psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigate the main causes of concern among patients with psychiatric disorders and their families, during and after hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to improve care and service given to these patients and their caregivers with regard to these concerns. Method: In this study, 48 patients with psychiatric disorders who were hospitalized in the period 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 contracting 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 caregivers reported, contracting COVID-19 by their patients and unavailability of the patients’ doctors as the major concerns during the patients stay at the hospital. While, contracting COVID-19 by the caregivers in routine follow ups was their main worry after their patients discharge. Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic has caused challenges in the treatment of psychiatric patients. We suggest providing solutions like: the provision of a safe space for doctors to visit the patients, educating patients with good self-hygiene protocols and use of hygiene equipment, in addition to the possibility of visiting patients virtually.