Mental health care for COVID-19 patients in a multidisciplinary hospital: managerial aspects

Abstract

Introduction. COVID-19 affects not only the respiratory tract and lungs, but also the central nervous system. These organic lesions lead to the development of mental and neurological disorders. The structure of psychiatric disorders in COVID-19 is poorly understood, but the data are important for the management and planning of medical care.
 The purpose of the study. Analysis of the management of psychiatric care in a multidisciplinary hospital from the point of view of the algorithmization of the work of a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in the context of COVID-19.
 Material and methods. The relevant materials on the results of the activities of the psychiatric service of the hospital for war veterans in St. Petersburg during the coronavirus pandemic were analyzed.
 Results. Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care was provided to COVID-19 patients or suspected of having the disease admitted to the hospital. As a result of a psychiatric examination, the observation mode was determined in the admissions department, the intensive care unit and the infectious diseases department. Indications for the provision of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care and transfer to a psychiatric hospital with departments for patients with coronavirus infection have been developed.
 Limitations of the study. The results of this study cannot be extrapolated to the work of all multidisciplinary hospitals, because associated with the presence of a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist in the staff of the institution. A limitation can be considered the non-inclusion in the study of persons under 45 years of age.
 Conclusion. The experience of the psychiatric service of a multidisciplinary hospital reflects the need for the activity of the psychosomatic link in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.