Telecounseling services to mitigate the psychological effects of Covid-19 pandemic quarantine measures

Abstract

Objective: Telecounseling services can potentially reduce negative psychological impacts on individuals whose movements and activities are restricted to a particular environment. However, clinical experiences/studies have revealed that the vast majority of individuals on mandatory quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic who are experiencing some kinds of mental health problems are not accessing this exercise and hence the review of literature for evidence evaluating its advantages and implementing it into clinical practice. Following this objective, a research question to guide the study is therefore proposed as; thus, "For Persons Undergoing Mandatory Quarantine Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, Would Provision of Telecounseling Services Be Effective in Reducing Psychological Impact?". Methods: A methodological search for relevant literature that would satisfy the inclusion criteria in relation to the research question was conducted through several databases. In a submission to the inclusion and exclusion criteria after weeks of rigorous search, three articles including Cohorts and Randomized Controlled Trial studies were critically appraised using CASP tools and the JBI checklist. Results and Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that reduction of psychological effects and improvement in the mental well-being of quarantined persons are evidently effective through telecounseling services if given by qualified psychotherapists and was suggested that findings could be implemented for local clinical practice. The psychological effects associated with restriction of a person's movement and social activities participation advocates for regular and effective communication with the quarantined person and reassuring them of returning to the public and reuniting with friends and colleagues in no distant time. Implications and Recommendations: Since the study findings have discovered some flaws, furthermore robust and methodological research is necessary. Well-defined policies and public awareness approaches should be used to utilize and educate the general public on the benefits of telecounseling services.