Psychiatric NHS in Gozo during COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the daily lives of the population, resulting in psychological burden and difficulties in coping; having direct effects on mental wellbeing and, by extension, mental health services. This study investigates the impact COVID-19 had on psychiatric national health services in Gozo.

METHODS: Data of psychiatric services utilisation during the study period was gathered from Gozo General Hospital records and cross-referenced with e-medical records. Data was stratified and statistically analysed comparing pre- and post-COVID groups.

RESULTS: 3,462 participants were recruited. Despite a 34% decrease in total inpatient cases (n=199 to n=98), an overall increase in new cases (p=0.008) was reported. Voluntary admissions decreased (p=0.001) against a numerically stable involuntary cohort. 2912 patients utilised out-patient services. New cases dropped by 35.9% while follow-up cases increased (p=<0.001) from 41.7% to 77.6%. Multiple follow-up appointments increased from 85.27% to 93.33%. There was an increase (p=<0.001) in both new (21.3% to 39.8%) and follow-up (17.5% to 38.7%) cases in liaison psychiatry despite a 26.4% drop in the total caseload.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the impact COVID-19 had on psychiatric services in Gozo; accentuating challenges imposed by the pandemic, increased mental health needs and how service and policy implementation affected workload. Studies analysing the long-term effects of the pandemic and the ongoing changes in the mental health needs are necessary.