| Impact of a Psychiatric Consultation Program on COVID-19 Patients: An Experimental Study |
Geun Hui Won1 
, Hye Jeong Lee1
, Jong Hun Lee1
, Tae Young Choi1
, Hyo-Lim Hong2
, Chi Young Jung2
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1Department of Psychiatry, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
2Department of Internal Medicine, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea |
Correspondence: Tae Young Choi ,Tel: +82-53-650-4780, Fax: +82-53-623-7507, Email: tyoungchoi@cu.ac.kr
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Received: October 11, 2022 Revised: January 17, 2023 Accepted: March 17, 2023 Published online: May 25, 2023 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
Following the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, the importance of addressing acute stress induced by psychological burdens of diseases became apparent. This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new mode of psychiatric intervention designed to target similar psychological crises.
Methods
Participants included 32 out of 114 COVID inpatients at a hospital in Daegu, Korea, who were assessed between March 30 and April 7, 2020. Multiple scales for screening psychological difficulties such as depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, acute stress, and suicidality were done. Psychological problem evaluations and interventions were conducted in the form of consultations to alleviate participants’ psychological challenges via telepsychiatry. The interventions’ effects, as well as clinical improvements before and after the intervention, were analyzed.
Results
As a result of screening, 21 patients were experiencing psychological difficulties beyond clinical thresholds after COVID-19 infection (screening positive group). The remaining 11 were screening negative groups. The two groups differed significantly in past psychiatric histories (p=0.034), with the former having a higher number of diagnoses. The effect of the intervention was analyzed, and clinical improvement before and after the intervention was observed. Our intervention was found to be effective in reducing the overall emotional difficulties.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the usefulness of new interventions required in the context of healthcare following the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Key words
Pandemic; COVID-19; Psychological distress; Psychological intervention; Telemedicine |
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