Mental Health Service Preparedness during a Pandemic: A Delphi Study in Slovenia

Résumé fourni par la source

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for mental health, requiring many mental health services to reorganise. The aim of this study was to develop a set of consensus-based recommendations outlining measures and activities for the operation of mental health services during a potential pandemic in Slovenia. Methods: To develop a preliminary list of measures, relevant literature, existing guidelines, and COVID-19 response practices were reviewed. These measures were then evaluated using a modified Delphi method. Eleven Slovenian mental health experts participated in 4 Delphi rounds to determine which measures should be implemented and at which stage of a potential future pandemic. Results: Consensus was reached on 47 measures and activities. The majority were classified for implementation before or at the onset of a potential pandemic, with only a small number designated for implementation during the pandemic. Conclusions: The identified measures and activities are discussed in relation to existing research and international frameworks. They represent consensus-based preparedness guidance for the organisation of mental health services during a pandemic or similar public health emergency and may inform the future development of national guidelines and strategic frameworks.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.