COVID-19 pandemic effects on the care of people with psychosocial disabilities: workers’ perspective

Authors

  • Martín Agrest Proyecto Suma, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Melina Rosales Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Andrés Matkovich Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Roy Cabrera Centro Integral de Salud Mental Comunitaria “La Casita”, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina
  • Ricardo Freddy Pinto Centro Integral de Salud Mental Comunitaria “La Casita”, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina
  • Julia Paternina Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Marina Fernández Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Sara Ardila-Gómez Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Alberto Velzi Diaz Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Keywords:

COVID-19, Health Services for Persons with Disabilities, Mental Health, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Support Systems

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic produced a reorganization of health systems and, in particular, affected the provision of services for people with psychosocial disabilities in a way that was pending an analysis in Argentina. The objective was to characterize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on services aimed at people with psychosocial disabilities in the cities of Rosario (Santa Fe), Resistencia (Chaco) and the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires from the perspective of their workers during 2020-2021. METHODS: An exploratory and descriptive study was carried out by interviewing 53 workers from three types of rehabilitation services (aimed at providing support for socialization, for work or for housing) in two moments (November-December 2020 and April-June 2021). Frequencies were calculated and a thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: The impact on services was broad and long-lasting, they became less accessible and effective in contributing to rehabilitation. Common aspects such as the new centrality of technology, massive adaptations and deep subjective impact on workers marked by fatigue were observed. Within a year of the pandemic, two-thirds of socialization-oriented services were still severely affected or closed. DISCUSSION: From the description and analysis of how the rehabilitation services were affected, the question remains regarding their future and how the mental health reform will unfold.  

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Published

01-04-2022

How to Cite

Agrest , M. ., Rosales , M. ., Matkovich , A. ., Cabrera , R. ., Pinto , . R. F., Paternina , J. ., … Velzi Diaz , A. . (2022). COVID-19 pandemic effects on the care of people with psychosocial disabilities: workers’ perspective . Revista Argentina De Salud Pública, 14, e47. Retrieved from https://rasp.msal.gov.ar/index.php/rasp/article/view/743

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Section

Original Articles