Q&A: Isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Q: Many people are experiencing prolonged isolation during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. How is this affecting their health outcomes and how can case managers help?

A: While many people are becoming ill and dying from COVID-19, many more are experiencing health problems related to the increased isolation they have experienced during the pandemic.

A June study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 40% of 5,470 survey respondents reported struggling with mental health problems since the start of the pandemic, including:

• 30% who reported experiencing anxiety or depression
• 26.3% who reported a trauma or stress-related disorder due to COVID-19
• 13.3% who reported drinking or using drugs to help cope with the stress related to COVID-19
• 10% who reported suicidal thoughts or feelings

The problem may be particularly acute for people who are already vulnerable, such as nursing home residents who were experiencing acute isolation due to COVID-19.

Case managers need to ensure that isolated patients are comfortable using technology to connect iwth their healthcare providers. For more information, see the September issue of Case Management Monthly.