Open AccessObservation of telepsychiatry service in a teaching hospital of eastern Nepal during COVID-19 pandemic
Author(s) -
Dhana Ratna Shakya
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
insights on the depression and anxiety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2640-2882
DOI - 10.29328/journal.ida.1001027
Subject(s) - telepsychiatry , anxiety , pandemic , medicine , mood , psychiatry , depression (economics) , family medicine , telemedicine , covid-19 , bipolar disorder , psychology , health care , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , macroeconomics , economic growth
Considering the geographical complexity and adversity, online communication and consultation are viable method in Nepal. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the already starting trend of use of these technologies in medicine. In BPKIHS, telemedicine efforts were already initiated; lockdown rather warranted its maximum use. Here is an account of the observation made in telepsychiatry service provided by a consultant psychiatrist of its department of psychiatry. It is an institute-based observation noted for all the telepsychiatry consultations in 9 random duty days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Basic necessary information was noted down in a semi-structured proforma, like: socio-demographic, clinical information and advice provided. There were 104 subjects; 73 follow-up and 31 new: 60 male and 44 female cases. Clients of multi-ethnic groups were the most from urban, then semi-urban and least from rural areas. More consultations were for young age-groups and from nearby districts of Sunsari. Mood, somatic (sleep), anxiety were the top presenting complaints and 8/104 clients had suicidal symptoms. Maximum follow-up cases were improving. The most common diagnoses were: Mood (Depression and Bipolar), Anxiety, Psychosis and Substance use disorders. Most common treatment advices included: Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Benzodiazepines and Counseling/psycho-education. Telepsychiatry is a viable method of delivering service even during the pandemic.