Changes in Inpatient and Day Patient Treatment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights and Outlook Results of a Study in an Adult Psychiatry Clinic in Germany

Introduction Possible effects of pandemic-related restrictions and adjustments in psychiatric treatment are currently the focus of interest. This article addresses developments in this respect in our clinic. Objectives Changes in clinical practice that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic are to be analysed with regard to possible risks for affected patients. Methods A clinic-internal analysis was carried out, focusing on comparing a period during the COVID-19 pandemic (01.11.2020-30.04.2021) and a pre-pandemic reference period (01.11.2018-30.04.2019). Results Following trends were observed during the pandemic period: a. Day patient treatment: - The treatment volume fell to 44%. Notable reductions in the number of treatment cases with main diagnoses [ICD-10] F10.- and F30-F39 by >65% were measured. b. Inpatient treatment: - no significant changes regarding socio-demographic patient data and concerning the type of admission and discharge, - detection of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by PCR test in 4.7% of the cases, - a decline in the treatment volume to 87% due to 8% decrease in the number of cases and 5% decrease in the ALOS, with patients with the main diagnosis [ICD-10] F10.- were most affected, - increases regarding the percentage of cases with the main diagnosis [ICD-10] F40-F48 (p