Mental health services and their impact during the COVID-19 v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Emerging eviDence on the impact of COVID-19 on mental hEalth sErvices and health inequalities in highly dePrived communities (DEEP)
IRAS ID
315035
Contact name
Ge Yu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
It is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic will be responsible for increased needs for mental health services. However, it also provides an opportunity to rethink conventional approaches to mental health services planning to meet these needs for underserved population. \n\nThis study aims to find out what changes in mental health services during the pandemic and their impact on health and wellbeing for patients living in areas of high deprivation.\n\nFirst, I will review literature to identify changes made in mental health services during COVID-19 and their impacts to bring all current evidence together. Next, I will use information collected by the NHS before, during and after lockdown in GP practices across the North East and North Cumbria region. These data will help to examine whether changes in service were the same for highly deprived population with different characteristics such as ages and ethnicities, and how changes affected their physical and mental health. Finally, I will conduct a Delphi survey with key stakeholders to agree on important/minimum acceptable features of services meeting the needs of highly deprived. \n\nA formal report will be widely shared with all stakeholder groups. Research findings will be disseminated via websites, at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Emerging findings and learning captured will also be shared with underserved communities, GPs, and commissioners across the region to guide the development of the region’s Deep End Network, improve services and reduce health inequalities.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
22/NS/0080
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion