On the continuity of rehabilitation and meeting the patients’ needs: Online psychosocial treatment during the COVID-19 outbreak
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our model of face-to-face psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation format. To adapt to the current situation, as professionals, we have decided to transform the format into a virtual one that will offer the continuity of rehabilitation and therapy...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cambridge University Press
2021-04-01
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| Series: | European Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933821018009/type/journal_article |
| Summary: | Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our model of face-to-face psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation format. To adapt to the current situation, as professionals, we have decided to transform the format into a virtual one that will offer the continuity of rehabilitation and therapy. Two clinical psychologists held online sessions and a special chat created in the IM messenger where patients could safely interact with each other.
Objectives
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of online sessions in a sample of outpatients engaged in rehabilitation programs.
Methods
Data from 50 patients (F20-F25, aged from 25 to 45) treated with a new online psychosocial program, including i. psychoeducation, ii. learning skills of the behavior under the circumstances of isolation, iii. training skills of effective communication and emotional regulation, and assessed for depression, anxiety, hopelessness, hostility (BDI, STAI, BHS, BDHI), and self-esteem, were analyzed for this study. Motivational enhancement techniques were also used to engage the patients in this new treatment format.
Results
According to the preliminary data, we point out a statistically meaningful reduction in depression (p=0,003), anxiety (p=0,001), and hostility (р=0,001); self-esteem, evaluated with the Dembo-Rubinstein method, was improved (p=0,002); the T Wilcoxon criterion used for rating the magnitude.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that establishing a new online psychosocial program over the last few months positions us to respond effectively to such a new challenge and suggest that rehabilitative programs targeting patients’ needs may continue in this time of uncertainty.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
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| ISSN: | 0924-9338 1778-3585 |