• Zack Zhong Sheng Goh, Lai Gwen Chan, Jael YiYing Lai, Jimmy Lee, Eng Sing Lee, SoonWinnie Shok WenWSWNational Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore., Adrian Toh, and Konstadina Griva.
• Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
• Ann Acad Med Singap. 2023 May 30; 52 (5): 239248239-248.

IntroductionCOVID-19 restrictions and lockdown measures have led to impact on the mental health and social service delivery, including the rapid adoption of digital solutions to mental healthcare delivery in Singapore. This study aims to rapidly document the quantitative and qualitative impact of the pandemic restrictions on mental health and social services.MethodThis descriptive mixed-methods study consisted of a survey arm and a qualitative arm. Providers and clients from eligible mental health organisations and social service agencies were recruited. The respondents completed a survey on changes to their service delivery and the extent of impact of the pandemic on their clients. In-depth interviews were also conducted with representatives of the organisations and clients.ResultsThere were 31 organisation representatives to the survey, while 16 providers and 3 clients participated in the in-depth interviews. In the survey arm, all representatives reported pivoting to remote means of delivering care during the lockdown. An increase in new client referrals and more domestic violence were reported from primary and community health partners respondents who made up 55.5% of health partners respondents. Three distinct response themes were recorded in the in-depth interviews: impact on clients, impact on service provision and impact on mental health landscape.ConclusionTwo key findings are distilled: (1) mental health and social services have been challenged to meet the evolving demands brought about by the pandemic; (2) more societal attention is needed on mental health and social services. The findings indicate a necessary need for extensive studies on COVID-19 that can inform policies to build a more pandemic-resilient nation.

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