The COVID-19 outbreak and psychiatric hospitals in China: managing challenges through mental health service reform
Major challenges for patients with psychiatric disorders and mental health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak are outlined, and how to manage these challenges through further mental health service reform in China is discussed.
Abstract
Recently, more than 300 Chinese patients with psychiatric disorders were diagnosed with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Possible reasons quoted in the report were the lack of caution regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in January and insufficient supplies of protective gear. We outlined major challenges for patients with psychiatric disorders and mental health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak, and also discussed how to manage these challenges through further mental health service reform in China.