Authors (including presenting author) :
Francez SY LEUNG(1), Eric CK WONG(1), Bianca YN CHEUNG(1), Anita SF CHAN(1), June YW CHAO(1), Eileena MC CHUI(2), Phyllis KL CHAN(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital(QMH)
(2) Department of Psychiatry, QMH
Introduction :
During COVID-19 pandemic, people with severe mental illness(SMI) faced challenges. With rapid spread and fluctuation of the pandemic, mental health consequences like exacerbation of depression and anxiety due to fear of contagion, social isolation, uncertainty and economic difficulties are commonly seen.
Psychiatric day service under Hospital Authority has scaled down to reduce transmission of virus. Phoenix Clubhouse(PC), an adult psychiatric day hospital of QMH, has adopted a hybrid mode in supporting Clubhouse members’(people with SMI) psychological well-being during the pandemic. Apart from individual face-to-face counselling/vocational training sessions, additional tele-care (telephone, video calls and text messages), online activities and meetings are provided to continue our service.
Objectives :
To review the needs of Clubhouse members and effect of a hybrid mode of support to members at different points in time according to the pandemic’s severity.
Methodology :
Phoenix Clubhouse supported members in diverse ways to engage in social contexts and maintain active lifestyle through purposeful activities in spite of physical distancing. Tele-care was provided via phone, Whatsapp or video calling to offer extra support to members who are prone to be affected by the pandemic. Virtual work-ordered days (engaging members to work at home and online interactive meetings) were constructed. Online activities that covered illness management (stress management, relaxation), wellness (exercise, tips on preventing infection), education (computer and language class), life skills (using zoom and mobile apps, cooking and grocery shopping) and leisure (handicraft, dessert making) were provided. The review involved 4 time points, January(1stwave), June(ebb), July(3rdwave) and November(ebb) 2020. Data from self-designed questionnaire and standardized assessment (Perceived stress scale, PSS) of 42 members were traced. These members were divided into 2 groups, which were members with more support (contacted at least 1 time/week during the pandemic) and members with less support (contacted less than 1 time/week during the pandemic).
Result & Outcome :
Members with more support(M-MS) reflected more improvement and better coping than members with less support from Clubhouse(M-LS) in both self-designed questionnaire and PSS.
CONCLUSION
People with SMI have encountered different challenges with the scaled-down face-to-face day service during COVID-19 pandemic. Diverse ways of support from Clubhouse is important for members to improve their mood, stress-related physical responses and confidence in anti-pandemic.
