Exploration of psychiatric inpatients’ experience of adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed life globally and significantly disrupted psychiatric inpatient care, with infection control measures altering therapeutic environments and exacerbating patient distress. Both staff and inpatients had to quickly adapt to new norms while maintaining care in an already vulnerable setting.

Aim: This study aimed to explore psychiatric inpatients’ experience of adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting: The study was conducted in Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, Tshwane, Gauteng.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study comprising 15 semi-structured interviews with psychiatric inpatients admitted to Weskoppies Hospital in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, using purposive sampling. Open-ended questions encouraged detailed responses and guided the conversation. Recordings were later transcribed for analysis.

Results: Our study showed that psychiatric inpatients displayed an engagement strategy, rather than a disengagement approach, in adapting to a crisis. They actively tried to control, manage, and change stressful situations by accepting the hospital infrastructure and new COVID-19 rules, seeking social support, and holding on to their faith.

Conclusion: Psychiatric inpatients at Weskoppies Hospital adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic through support from staff, family, hospital systems, and personal coping strategies. These findings highlight the need for holistic, patient-centred care that includes psychosocial and spiritual support during times of crises.

Contribution: This study provided insights into psychiatric inpatients’ experiences and can help mental healthcare practitioners to ensure a more positive experience during rehabilitation and reintegration of psychiatric patients into society.