Scholarlink

This chapter delves into innovative strategies implemented to address escalating psychosocial needs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated existing mental health challenges and strained traditional support systems. The crisis, characterized by a significant uptick in anxiety, substance abuse, and depression cases, compounded by the deteriorating condition of those already grappling with mental illness due to factors such as social isolation, stringent lockdown measures, widespread job loss, and the closure of hospitals and mental health services, underscored the pressing need for swift and effective interventions to aid individuals navigating isolation, fear, and uncertainty. Collaborative efforts with governmental bodies, tertiary mental health institutes like CIP, Ranchi & LGBRIMH, Tezpur, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders led to the establishment of a volunteer-driven 24x7 psychosocial support helpline, which received over 20,000 calls within the first month of operation. This helpline offered tele-counselling services and facilitated over 5000 appropriate referrals to ensure widespread community outreach. Proactive engagement initiatives, including targeted outreach to over 3000 quarantined individuals and migrant workers, bolstered accessibility to vital support services for the most vulnerable. Leveraging videoconferencing technologies, continuity of care for over 4400 previously registered individuals unable to access in-person services was ensured, with vital linkages forged to District Mental Health Programs (DMHPs) for medication procurement. Additionally, tele-rehabilitation services extended support to individuals requiring remote rehabilitation assistance. Capacity-building efforts like the Chhattisgarh Community Mental Healthcare Telementoring Program (CHaMP), the Diploma in Primary Care Psychiatry, Telementoring for Rural Health Organisers of Chhattisgarh (TORENT) featuring online tele-mentoring sessions and collaborative video consultations, empowered over 5000 healthcare workers to navigate the mental health needs of patients effectively in the community. Furthermore, online upskilling initiatives equipped over 500 laypersons with the requisite skills to provide basic psychosocial support and referrals within their communities. Advocacy endeavors and contributions to guideline development culminated in the adoption of national telemedicine standards, regulating and promoting online care provision. Research findings underscored the efficacy of these interventions, guiding the development of sustainable care delivery mechanisms for future crises.

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Community-Focussed and Digitally-Delivered Psychosocial Support Services During the COVID Pandemic: Experiences from a Tertiary Hospital

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

查看全文
  • Ateev Sudhir Chandna,
  • Dinakaran Damodharan

摘要

This chapter delves into innovative strategies implemented to address escalating psychosocial needs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated existing mental health challenges and strained traditional support systems. The crisis, characterized by a significant uptick in anxiety, substance abuse, and depression cases, compounded by the deteriorating condition of those already grappling with mental illness due to factors such as social isolation, stringent lockdown measures, widespread job loss, and the closure of hospitals and mental health services, underscored the pressing need for swift and effective interventions to aid individuals navigating isolation, fear, and uncertainty. Collaborative efforts with governmental bodies, tertiary mental health institutes like CIP, Ranchi & LGBRIMH, Tezpur, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders led to the establishment of a volunteer-driven 24x7 psychosocial support helpline, which received over 20,000 calls within the first month of operation. This helpline offered tele-counselling services and facilitated over 5000 appropriate referrals to ensure widespread community outreach. Proactive engagement initiatives, including targeted outreach to over 3000 quarantined individuals and migrant workers, bolstered accessibility to vital support services for the most vulnerable. Leveraging videoconferencing technologies, continuity of care for over 4400 previously registered individuals unable to access in-person services was ensured, with vital linkages forged to District Mental Health Programs (DMHPs) for medication procurement. Additionally, tele-rehabilitation services extended support to individuals requiring remote rehabilitation assistance. Capacity-building efforts like the Chhattisgarh Community Mental Healthcare Telementoring Program (CHaMP), the Diploma in Primary Care Psychiatry, Telementoring for Rural Health Organisers of Chhattisgarh (TORENT) featuring online tele-mentoring sessions and collaborative video consultations, empowered over 5000 healthcare workers to navigate the mental health needs of patients effectively in the community. Furthermore, online upskilling initiatives equipped over 500 laypersons with the requisite skills to provide basic psychosocial support and referrals within their communities. Advocacy endeavors and contributions to guideline development culminated in the adoption of national telemedicine standards, regulating and promoting online care provision. Research findings underscored the efficacy of these interventions, guiding the development of sustainable care delivery mechanisms for future crises.