Responsiveness and sustainability of psychiatric care in France during COVID-19 epidemic

Objectives - The sudden changes of healthcare system due to COVID-19 particularly affect the organization of psychiatry. The objective of this review is to examine the adaptations of psychiatric care in France during this pandemic. Method. - This narrative review is based on the observation of changes made in French psychiatric hospitals and on an analysis of the literature. Results. - Regarding psychiatric hospitalization, the COVID-19 epidemic required rapid measures that profoundly modified the conditions of patients' reception, forcing the medical staffs to adapt their methods of care. The authors noted the creation of at least 89 wards specifically dedicated to patients with COVID-19 needing psychiatric hospitalization, allowing dual care of general medicine and psychiatry. Regarding ambulatory care, maintaining patients with long-term follow-up was a priority. Patients recalling and teleconsultation have been precious resources but cannot entirely replace face-to-face consultations. Discussion. - COVID-19 epidemic created unprecedented situation of large-scale upheavals in the healthcare system and in society. Despite the absence of previous recommendations on the subject, Frenchpsychiatry has shown great adaptability. Some changes could inspire post-COVID-19 care. (C) 2020 L'Encephale, Paris.