The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the landscape of psychosocial support services, particularly for individuals living with enduring mental health conditions (EMHCs). A recent study titled COVID-19 and Psychosocial Support Services: Experiences of People Living with Enduring Mental Health Conditions offers critical insights that can help practitioners improve their skills and adapt to new service delivery models.
Key Findings and Their Implications
The study highlights several significant impacts of COVID-19 on psychosocial support services:
- Increased Importance of Services: For many, the need for psychosocial support services became more critical during the pandemic.
- Tele-Support Adoption: Services quickly adapted to tele-support methods, including phone calls and videoconferencing, to maintain continuity.
- Challenges in Engagement: Many participants reported reduced engagement due to the loss of in-person interactions, technological issues, and decreased motivation.
Strategies for Practitioners
Based on the study's findings, here are some actionable strategies for practitioners:
- Embrace Tele-Support: Invest in training to become proficient in tele-support technologies. Familiarity with these tools can enhance the quality of interactions.
- Build Rapport Remotely: Use techniques such as exaggerated gestures and verbal cues to maintain a strong therapeutic alliance even in virtual settings.
- Facilitate Technology Use: Help clients navigate tele-support platforms by providing hands-on training and resources, ensuring they have the necessary equipment and internet access.
- Offer Blended Services: Combine tele-support with in-person sessions when possible to provide a flexible, person-centered approach.
Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the need for ongoing research to optimize tele-support services. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate research projects that explore innovative ways to deliver psychosocial support.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: COVID-19 and Psychosocial Support Services: Experiences of People Living with Enduring Mental Health Conditions.
