ABSTRACT
The first wave of the COVID-19 crisis dramatically affected the global population. Madrid was one of the most severely affected regions in Spain. For public health reasons, family visits to hospitalized patients were restricted, preventing relatives from accompanying them. This article details the descriptive study that we carried out on the emotional support program offered to relatives of patients admitted during the first wave at Hospital Puerta de Hierro. A total of 456 relatives (mostly female, usually spouses or sons or daughters of patients) were contacted. Relatives of ICU patients and female relatives required broader levels of support. Increasing the perception of care through an emotional support program can be important for family members. Nevertheless, we consider additional studies to be necessary to explore the specific psychological benefits that these interventions provide.
ABSTRACT
IntroductionThe presence of psychological impact on relatives of patients admitted for Covid-19 has been described. The effectiveness of psychological first aid in critical situations has also been described. The first psychological aid describes a human response supporting another person who is suffering. This intervention is indicated for those affected by a traumatic event.ObjectivesTo present a theoretical review about psychological first aid and to describe data about it on relatives of patients admitted for Covid-19.MethodsLiterature review about psychological first aid and data description of telephone intervention carried out by mental health professionals on family members of patients admitted for Covid-19.ResultsFrom an initial pool of 77 Covid-19 patients, 50 were selected as telephone contact with relatives was possible. Mean age was 68.9 years, 13 were female and 37 male. 90% were admitted in internal medicine department and 10% in intensive care unit. First telephone intervention in all cases was to introduce the psychiatrist in charge of the follow-up and provide contact number of psychiatry department. In 13 relatives` support, emotional ventilation and active listening was provided and 2 of them also received therapeutic guidelines. Further phone contact was required in 12 relatives. In follow-up phone calls, all relatives received therapeutic guidelines and 3 was referred to our outpatient clinic.ConclusionsFamily members of patients admitted for covid-19 may present emotional symptoms, many of them normal reactions in context of a crisis situation. A large percentage do not require a structured psychotherapeutic intervention but can benefit from a first psychological help.DisclosureNo significant relationships.