Adaptation Protocol of a Portuguese Psychiatry Department in the Pandemic Context Caused by COVID-19

Several strategies were outlined by psychiatric services to maintain treatment standards and ensure the safety of patients and professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to describe the measures implemented by a psychiatric department.

We consulted the guidelines for action issued during the initial period of the pandemic.

The strategies defined included organizational, clinical and training aspects. The contingency plan was structured by each care unit.

All outpatient units adopted a hybrid model-teleconsultation and in-person consultation. The complete inpatient unit operated with all beds, ensured by mirror teams. The program of intervention for the integration in the community created an institutional email for patients to share doubts, symptoms or occupational activities.

In the program of early intervention in psychosis, the articulation with families was maintained, especially for more severely ill patients. The specialized program in refractory psychosis adopted the norms of the "consensus statement on the use of clozapine during the COVID-19 pandemic".

Liaison psychiatry worked in a hybrid model supporting the different hospital services. In community psychiatry, a (distance) training protocol was created for health professionals.

We highlight the organization of the World Mental Health Day’s celebration via digital. A direct support line for service users and a support consultation for professionals were created.

The beginning of the internal training program aimed at residents in specialized training in psychiatry was registered.

This was a challenge that encouraged creativity, team spirit, and multidisciplinary work. It was possible to implement new projects and expanding our field of action.