‘We need to reduce mental health stigma’
What is the essential care that is needed for patients in emergency situations during restricted mobility because of the lockdown?
Most hospitals are functioning 24x7 for emergency services. Despite this, many patients are staying at home with the fear of contracting the Coronavirus. This is making the situation lifethreatening by the time they reach the hospital.
Do you provide special support for depressive patients with suicidal attempts or extreme measures because of sudden loss of job or business?
There are fears of contracting illness, concern for the safety of the family, experiencing partial or complete loss of income, insecurity of job or business and fear of economic instability. It is important to realise that these feelings are quite normal and we need to reduce the stigma by raising awareness of mental health issues, giving appropriate online training or by educational leaflets. This helps in better understanding, recognition of symptoms, less judgement and reduced stigma. This leads to positive relationships and positive impact on psychology.
Do hospitals create special wards for Coronavirus cases?
It is mandatory to segregate patients at the entry points like the reception, ER etc. Patients with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, breathlessness are triaged separately and kept in a different emergency room. They are handled by different staff using full PPE.
How effective is online consultation during an emergency?
Online consultation or telemedicine services are useful for mild cases like sprain, aches or follow-up of chronic ailments like diabetes, hypertension etc. In emergency situations like chest pain, paralysis stroke, injury due to fall, sustaining fractures, loss of consciousness etc, it is better that the patient reaches the nearest emergency room at the earliest rather than wasting time on online consultation. Remember that the delay in emergency care leads to catastrophe.
Is any online training programme on use of medical equipment for attenders available to assess basic critical conditions like checking blood pressure, using pulse oximeters etc?
There are various equipment available in the market which give instantaneous readings for blood pressure, blood sugars and pulse oximeters. They are very user friendly. They may not be accurate but give an idea about the condition of the patient. Conventional methods of checking requires hands-on training and regular clinical practice and may not be appropriate by giving online training.
Any strong suggestions on not using self-treatment during the lockdown?
Self-treatment during an emergency causes more harm than good. During the lockdown, many patients with chronic ailments have remained at home and their follow-up with the consultants is delayed. These patients either stop medication or change the dosage and use over-the-counter medications. Such practices lead to more dangerous effects. It is not suggestable to use self-medication. It is always better to visit the emergency room.