MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PATIENT, HEALTH STAFF AND CAREGIVER'S PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to multifaceted impacts on healthcare systems globally. The mental health (MH) sector - an area known for its chronic low budget allocation and over-stretched services - faced significant challenges not only at system and services level but also at the level of its staff, patients and caregivers. The restrictions during the pandemic have led to changes in care delivery, including a rapid shift to the use of e-mental health and digital technologies. In the last 2 years both, the care provider and the recipient, ends have learnt skills, adapted themselves to newer service models. Overall, health systems seem to be coping at varying levels in different countries. Gaps in access to standard and e-mental health care and differences in other resource capabilities between nations appear to be the main causes for this difference. Objective: To discuss the MH challenges, opportunities and achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic in four different countries (Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and India) and learn from each other's experiences. Methods: Review of published literature obtained by search using key healthcare databases (Medline, PsychINFO and PubMed), and unpublished relevant literature, from the beginning of the pandemic to 2021. Findings: Main themes transcending temporal and geographical boundaries to a great extent include concern about their own and/or others' physical safety, inconsistent information, high workloads, long shifts and stigma. (Details will be discussed during the presentation.) Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to substantial MH impacts. The lessons learnt need to be used to strengthen the MH care system to strengthen patientoriented care plans during this pandemic.