Entering Treatment During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Explore the journey of entering treatment during the pandemic, from telehealth benefits to mental health access.

Published On

April 26, 2024

Dove Recovery's Team

Entering Treatment During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Seeking Treatment During a Pandemic

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the way individuals seek and receive medical treatment. The fear of infection, lockdowns, and the prioritization of COVID-19 patients have resulted in delayed medical care and a surge in telehealth services.

Impact of Delayed Medical Care

The pandemic has led to an increase in the delay or avoidance of medical care, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. For instance, delayed dental care has been associated with depression among middle-aged and older adults. Similarly, delayed surgery has been linked to depression among older adults. This highlights the broader psychological implications of delayed treatment during the pandemic NCBI.

Rise of Telehealth Services

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, there has been a significant shift to telehealth services. This paradigm shift has presented both benefits and challenges for healthcare providers.

Some of the benefits reported by service providers include increased treatment access, treatment flexibility, and continuity of care. However, challenges like difficulties with technology, client engagement, privacy, and logistical issues have also emerged PubMed Central.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the implementation and use of telehealth on a global scale. Telehealth services experienced an exponential surge, from 13,000 visits per week to 1.7 million visits per week after the onset of the pandemic source.

The use of telehealth technologies can improve access to healthcare facilities over distance and outside of working hours. They also serve as an alternative solution to lower hospital admissions for acute conditions. Especially in areas with limited resources and limited access to healthcare facilities, telehealth services might substantially improve patient care source.

Telehealth Visits	Pre-Pandemic	Post-Pandemic
Weekly Visits	13,000	1.7 million

Seeking treatment during a pandemic is a daunting task, but the rise of telehealth services has made it possible for patients to receive the care they need without leaving their homes. It's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the healthcare sector in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Increased Interest in Treatment

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in healthcare trends and behaviors, including an increase in interest in seeking treatment for various health conditions.

Rising Concerns and Diagnoses

The onset of the pandemic has led to an increase in the number of treatment-seeking individuals who self-reported concerns or diagnoses of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This development reflects the psychological impact of the pandemic on the global population, highlighting the increased need for mental health support during these challenging times [1].

Moreover, a study by NCBI revealed that the delay or avoidance of medical care, including dental care and surgery, has increased during the pandemic, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. This delay was positively associated with depression among both middle-aged adults and older adults, showing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health during these unprecedented times.

Trends in Treatment-Seeking Behavior

Along with the rise in self-reported concerns and diagnoses, there was a steady increase in treatment-seeking from 2020 into 2021 [1]. This indicates a growing awareness of the importance of seeking timely medical attention, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Interestingly, the change in general treatment-seeking from before to immediately after the global pandemic declaration was not statistically significant. Moreover, treatment-seeking for other conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) did not show a statistically significant change before and after the pandemic declaration.

Despite these findings, it's important to note that the interest in internet-based therapy significantly increased after the onset of COVID-19 [1]. This trend reflects the shift towards digital platforms for healthcare services in response to the need for physical distancing measures and restrictions.

By understanding these trends in treatment-seeking behavior, healthcare providers can better address the needs of their patients during the pandemic, ensuring the provision of essential health services while maintaining public safety.

Utilizing Telehealth for Care

As we navigate the challenges of entering treatment during a pandemic, telehealth has emerged as a crucial tool in delivering healthcare services. It offers a unique blend of convenience, safety, and efficiency, making it an ideal solution for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Benefits of Telehealth Services

Telehealth, or the delivery of healthcare services through digital platforms, has seen a significant rise in its use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is largely due to physical distancing measures and restrictions, which necessitated a shift from in-person consultations to virtual ones.

The benefits of telehealth services are manifold. For one, they improve access to healthcare facilities over distance and outside of working hours. This is particularly beneficial for patients in areas with limited resources and access to healthcare facilities. In addition, telehealth can lower hospital admissions for acute conditions, providing a viable alternative that ensures continuity of care even in challenging times [2].

Moreover, telehealth has the potential to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, improve the quality of care, and boost patient engagement and adherence to treatment. It can also save time and money, while enhancing communication skills and patient safety among healthcare professionals [2].

Global Interest in Telehealth

The use of telehealth has been a topic of global interest even before the onset of the pandemic. The ability to improve the self-management skills of patients with chronic diseases and facilitate better communication and information exchange between patients and healthcare professionals has been a key focus.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the implementation and use of telehealth have accelerated at a worldwide level. From a mere 13,000 telehealth visits per week, the numbers soared to a staggering 1.7 million visits per week post-pandemic onset [2].

Period	Telehealth Visits Per Week
Pre-Pandemic	13,000
Post-Pandemic	1.7 Million

The exponential growth in telehealth usage underscores its significance in the current healthcare landscape. As we continue to grapple with the pandemic, the value of telehealth in ensuring patient care and safety remains undeniable. It not only facilitates access to essential healthcare services for those entering treatment during the pandemic but also paves the way for a more flexible and resilient healthcare system in the future.

Available Treatments for COVID-19

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare community has developed several treatment options for those diagnosed with the virus. These treatments are designed to minimize the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Let's delve into the specifics of these treatments.

Medications and Timely Interventions

COVID-19 treatments must be prescribed by a healthcare provider or pharmacist and started within 5–7 days after symptoms appear. Even if your symptoms are mild, it's crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately to determine if you are eligible for treatment [3].

For those at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19, several treatments like Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir (Paxlovid), Remdesivir (Veklury), and Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) are available. These treatments must be started within 5-7 days of symptom onset and are administered based on specific guidelines for each medication.

Medication	Age Group	Method of Administration	Duration
Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir (Paxlovid)	Adults and children ages 12 and older	Orally at home	As soon as possible within 5 days of symptom onset
Remdesivir (Veklury)	Adults and children	Intravenous infusions at a healthcare facility	Initiated within 7 days of symptom onset, for 3 consecutive days
Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)	Adults	Orally at home	As soon as possible within 5 days of symptom onset

Figures courtesy CDC

Importance of Early Treatment

Early treatment is a critical aspect of managing COVID-19. By starting treatment promptly, patients can potentially mitigate severe symptoms and complications, thereby reducing the risk of hospitalization. Furthermore, early treatment can also help to shorten the recovery period and reduce the risk of long-term health issues associated with COVID-19.

Remember, the moment you start experiencing symptoms or receive a positive test, it's crucial to reach out to a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options. Following the prescribed treatment regimen closely and taking all medications as instructed is vital for recovery.

In conclusion, entering treatment promptly during the pandemic can make a significant difference in the outcome of a COVID-19 diagnosis. It's important to stay informed about the latest treatments and to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance.

Patient Experiences with COVID-19

Understanding patient experiences with COVID-19 provides valuable insights into the challenges they face and their journey to recovery. This section explores these experiences, focusing on the personal accounts of patients who have undergone treatment for this disease.

Challenges and Coping Strategies

Patients with COVID-19 face numerous challenges, from severe physical symptoms to psychological distress. According to a study, patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 experienced high fever, hallucinations, sleeping problems, cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, weakness, and gustatory dysfunction. They also lived under the fear of death and potential long-term impacts on their lifestyle, such as exhaustion, loss of strength, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

In the face of these challenges, patients relied on various self-management and coping strategies. They closely monitored their own health parameters, such as body temperature and oxygen saturation, and followed recommendations from healthcare professionals, including instructions on breathing positions. This proactive approach to their health management played a crucial role in their recovery process.

Hospitalization and Recovery Journey

Hospitalization can be both a relief and a burden for COVID-19 patients. On one hand, it offers a safe haven with access to immediate medical care. On the other, it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness due to restricted visitor access. Some patients witnessed distressing scenes of other patients struggling for breath, adding to their stress [4].

Participation in clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment also shaped patients' experiences. In a study examining patient experiences in a randomized controlled trial for COVID-19 treatment, participants reported participating out of altruism and a belief in scientific progress. However, many patients felt inadequately informed about the study and desired more information about the purpose and goal of the trial. This highlights the importance of clear communication and patient education in the context of clinical trials.

The experiences of patients entering treatment during the pandemic underscore the importance of comprehensive care strategies that address both the physical and emotional challenges of this disease. By understanding these experiences, healthcare providers can better meet the needs of their patients and support them on their journey to recovery.

Accessing Mental Health Services

During the pandemic, accessing mental health services has shifted dramatically. The changes have not only affected the provision of care but also the demand for mental health services.

Changes in Mental Health Support

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed mental health support, with many services either closed or drastically reduced. Contrarily, telepsychiatric services witnessed an extensive expansion NCBI. The in-person services saw a decrease, and therapeutic groups were either cancelled or reduced. Furthermore, inpatient units were restructured to accommodate COVID-19 patients.

As the pandemic progressed, the digitalization of services improved access to some services. However, restrictive measures limited accessibility for most. The staff experienced increased impacts on their own mental health and faced challenges with patient care and professional training. Moreover, they encountered difficulties in working from home and maintaining work-life balance, leading to burnout and other mental health problems NCBI.

The transition to telepsychiatry was a significant change, with services rapidly implementing or expanding telepsychiatry to replace face-to-face contacts. While it allowed for better access to some services, there were challenges with training and cost coverage. The use of therapy apps, social media, and helplines also increased to support patients NCBI.

Demand for Mental Health Services

The pandemic led to a surge in the demand for mental health services. Many patients experienced heightened symptoms such as anxiety, depression, suicidality, OCD, psychosis, loneliness, substance use, and sleep disturbances. However, some showed resilience and stoicism in the face of the pandemic NCBI.

During the early period of the pandemic, referral rates dropped as patients faced restrictions on movement and services reduced their hours. However, these rates increased as the pandemic progressed. The closure and reduction of community and psychosocial services resulted in discharged patients receiving limited or delayed outpatient care. To compensate for reduced access to inpatient services, home-based treatment and telepsychiatry were expanded NCBI.

These changes in mental health support and the demand for services underscore the immense impact of the pandemic on mental health care. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, understanding and addressing these issues are crucial in ensuring effective care for those entering treatment during the pandemic.