The impact and management SARS-CoV-2 in a psychiatric hospital setting

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During the months of August and September 2020, an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 took root in Mount Carmel Hospital and affected 29 elderly female chronic psychiatric inpatients, representing a significant clinical undertaking within the context of this low-resource healthcare setting.

METHODS: An emergency isolation ward was set up to contend with the outbreak, while a medical response team comprised of two psychiatric doctors and five extended foundation trainees was established in order to care for this vulnerable patient cohort. Close liaison with the Infectious Diseases team at Mater Dei Hospital fostered an effective therapeutic setting within which these patients could be treated. This represented a unique approach in an environment where literature on SARS-CoV-2 is scarce - the psychiatric inpatient setting.

RESULTS: All 29 of our patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 during the course of this period as a result of close clinical observation, a system of twice-daily patient review, early identification of patient deterioration and effective cross-speciality communication.

CONCLUSION: An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 within the mental health inpatient setting represents a number of unique clinical, managerial and interpersonal challenges, though straightforward clinical measures and effective patient monitoring can greatly aid the response to viral outbreaks in low-resource healthcare settings.