Operation of Mental Health Centres (CZP) in Poland during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Abstract

The paper concerns the community-based model of psychiatric care implemented within the pilot programme in Mental Health Centres (CZP) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The aim of the study is to characterise the changes in the operation of Mental Health Centres (CZPs) in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The change in the concept of psychiatric care and the shift towards a community-based model within CZPs meant, among other things, that providers did not have to present and implement strictly defined schedules, which made it possible to respond to the current needs of patients and made it possible to adapt the conditions and ways of providing psychiatric care in Poland during the pandemic. On the basis of the experience during the pandemic, recommendations were made to improve the organisation of CZPs in Poland.