Seán Sherlock
Question:796. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if research is being conducted by his Department on the physical and mental impacts on those diagnosed and recovered from Covid-19. [44822/20]
View answerWednesday, 13 January 2021
Questions (796)
Written answers
A number of studies are taking place both within, and outside of, the Department of Health in relation to the impacts of covid-19 on the population.
The Healthy Ireland Survey is an annual interviewer-administered face-to-face survey commissioned by the Department of Health. It monitors the health and wellbeing of people living in Ireland. The survey was stopped at the commencement of Covid-19 restrictions as the survey method (face-to-face) was not compatible with Covid-19 restrictions. The survey fieldwork has restarted, using a new phone questionnaire with an emphasis on living with Covid-19. It includes a module on mental health and suicide. The results will be available next year.
The Department has partnered with Amárach Research for a series of monthly surveys in relation to the effects of covid-19 upon the population. The November Research Study showed that, while people’s happiness is still low and boredom has increased, stress, worry, anxiety and frustration have reduced since March (first survey).
Amárach opinion surveys can be found at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6b4401-view-the-amarach-public-opinion-survey/#may-august-2020
The CSO has published four rounds of their Social Impacts of Covid-19 in Ireland survey. The survey results provide data on people’s lifestyle and wellbeing at various stages of the pandemic and restrictions levels.
Results of the surveys can be found on the CSO website:
https://www.cso.ie/en/csolatestnews/presspages/2020/socialimpactofcovid-19surveynovember2020well-beingandlifestyleunderlevel5restrictions/
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-covid19/covid-19informationhub/socialandwellbeing/
There have been a number of studies and research conducted by other organisations, including the National Suicide Research Foundation, Mental Health Reform and an International Covid-19 Psychological Research Consortium. The studies examined the impact of Covid-19 on people’s mental health and well-being. Results of these studies can be accessed by contacting the relevant organisation.
I recognise that the Covid pandemic may increase anxiety levels among the general population. The Government campaigns, “In this Together” and “Keep Well”, which encourage and offer practical advice on keeping our physical and mental health well, provide support for dealing with this issue.
We do not yet fully understand the impact of Covid-19 on mental health, the extent of subsequent supports that may be required or how this may affect longer term demand for services. However, the HSE already has a range of proactive responses for any rise in service need, including online and other telehealth psychosocial supports.
€2.2 million was provided to the HSE in 2020 for a mental health promotion and well-being campaign, through enhanced online supports to improve population health outcomes. Telehealth services were rapidly enhanced during the first wave and are now fully established to provide a broader service to clients. 7-day telehealth services include YourMentalHealth.ie, the information line 1800 111 888, the crisis textline and NGO partners’ online supports such as MYMind. Use of these services has increased significantly during Covid-19.
The Department and HSE continue to plan for any surge in demand as it arises and as services return to normal provision and capacity, subject to public health advice.
I am referring this PQ to the HSE for part response to inform on research being conducted at a service level.