Psychosocial support during the COVID-19 pandemic: interdisciplinary concept of care at a university hospital

Abstract

Background: Since the beginning of the outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increased demand for psychosocial support for patients, their family members, and healthcare workers. Concurrently, possibilities to provide this support have been hindered. Quarantine, social isolation, and SARS-CoV‑2 infections represent new and severe stressors that have to be addressed with innovative psychosocial care. Objective and method: This article describes the COVID-19 psychosocial first aid concept at the University Hospital Munich (LMU Klinikum) developed by an interdisciplinary team of psychiatric, psychological, spiritual care, psycho-oncological, and palliative care specialists. Results: A new psychosocial first aid model has been implemented for COVID-19 inpatients, family members, and hospital staff consisting of five elements. Conclusion: The concept integrates innovative and sustainable ideas, e.g. telemedicine-based approaches and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to cope with challenges in the healthcare system.