COVID-19 and mental health services delivery at Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Zimbabwe: Lessons for psychiatric social work practice

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the factors affecting mental health services delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic at Ingutsheni Central Hospital. A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Data were collected from 16 participants using interview guides and were analysed through interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants underlined several factors affecting mental health management and these were, inter alia, the congestion of wards and lack of resources. In riposte, they recommended several solutions towards curtailing these challenges. Based on the findings, the research then elucidates roles that psychiatric social workers can take towards improving mental health services delivery during the pandemic period.