SMI and COVID: Successful Models and Protocols-Presentation and Q&A

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video featured Dr. Jeffrey Feder, Chief Medical Officer of New Hampshire Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, and Dr. James Ashworth, Vice Chair of Clinical Services and Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. They discussed their experiences and challenges in managing COVID-19 in psychiatric hospitals. Dr. Feder highlighted the importance of multiple layers of imperfect protections, such as entry regulations, isolation and quarantine procedures, surveillance, and social distancing. He also emphasized the use of therapeutics and vaccination in managing COVID-19 in state hospitals. Dr. Ashworth discussed the unique challenges faced by psychiatric hospitals, including the need to balance infection control measures with the mental health needs of patients. He also highlighted the importance of communication, training, and explaining the rationale behind protocols to staff and patients. Both doctors also discussed the adaptations made in day treatment programs for adolescents and children. They mentioned the use of tele-psychiatry and the benefits of virtual communication. Overall, the speakers emphasized the need for collaboration, flexibility, and ongoing adjustments to effectively manage COVID-19 in psychiatric hospitals.

Keywords

psychiatric hospitals

COVID-19

infection control measures

therapeutics

vaccination

communication

tele-psychiatry

virtual communication

flexibility