The Effectiveness of the New Normal of Care System for People with Mental Health Problems from COVID-19 Pandemic

Main Article Content

Burin Suraaroonsamrit
Suwanna Arunpongpaisal
Terdsak Dechkong
Nopporn Tantirangsri

Abstract

Background and Objective: The COVID-19 outbreak has a tremendous impact on physical, mental and social wellbeing. The department of mental health has developed a policy and plan of care system for people with mental health problems from the pandemic situation.


Methods: The evaluation research on the system effectiveness using CIPP model, mixed methods focusing on qualitative and quantitative methods respectively, was conducted with total study population (n=303) divided by 55 samples using in-depth interview and 248 samples  using the online questionnaire. The content analysis and descriptive statistics were used for analyzing data.


Results:  The study samples were mostly female, mean age 30 years, married, undergraduate education and having regular income. From context domain, people using mental health check in assessment of their mental status during May 1st 2020 - March 31st 2021 were found to have stress risk 7.65%, depression 9.07% and suicidality 5.01%. Psychosocial care system was well- implemented in the policy under the provincial Emergency Operation Center.From input domain, there were not enough mental health communication in a policy level and few budgets were allocated for crisis mental health service. The inadequate quantity and capacity of mental health professional has affected the care process due to overwhelming physical issues. Overall, the system was effective, most were mental health check in application screening, telephone counseling and the health professional care consequently. Most outcome indicators were achieved. Despite the crisis care, increasing suicide rate suggest the ongoing surveillance on this issue.


Conclusion: The effectiveness system was on the holistic care policy, the self-assessment application and the service from mental team. There is a need for evaluation on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the psychosocial recovery.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Suraaroonsamrit B, Arunpongpaisal S, Dechkong T, Tantirangsri N. The Effectiveness of the New Normal of Care System for People with Mental Health Problems from COVID-19 Pandemic. SRIMEDJ [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 22 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];37(6):684-9. Available from: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SRIMEDJ/article/view/256961
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Original Articles

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