Ordinary care in extraordinary times.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Telemedicine

Background:

• COVID-19 significantly impacted Ireland, with nursing homes being high-risk clusters.
• Older adults (over 65) represent over 90% of COVID-19 related deaths.
• Maintaining routine care in nursing homes is crucial to reduce non-essential hospitalizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a project providing routine psychiatric care in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To implement remote video consultations using mobile tablets in long-stay facilities.
• To ensure continuity of care for older adults in a rural region.

Main Methods:

• A rural Psychiatry of Old Age Service in northwest Ireland initiated the project.
• Mobile tablets were utilized for remote video consultations.
• Services were provided within nursing homes and long-stay facilities.

Main Results:

• The project facilitated the delivery of ordinary care during extraordinary times.
• Remote consultations aimed to minimize the need for in-person visits.
• The initiative addressed the specific needs of a vulnerable elderly population during a health crisis.

Conclusions:

• Telepsychiatry via mobile tablets is a viable solution for providing essential care to nursing home residents during pandemics.
• This approach supports vulnerable populations and healthcare system resilience.
• The project demonstrates successful adaptation of psychiatric services to public health emergencies.