Box 2.

Practical tips for supporting people with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic and afterwards

Reach out to people with severe mental illness (SMI): be aware of the risk of relapse, ask about concordance with medication, ask about support. Ensure that details of carers are documented (and contact carers to enquire after their wellbeing). Flag notes so that receptionists can prioritise access to a GP (or other clinician) who knows the patient. Offer slightly longer appointments — whether this is by telephone, video, or face-to-face. If a patient is attending, offer waiting space outside the GP’s door to avoid busy waiting areas that can exacerbate stressful symptoms. At every contact, explore lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, activity, alcohol) and give advice; review whether physical examination or blood tests are needed; review medication — is the patient on a high-risk antipsychotic? Act on abnormal findings — on examination or blood tests.