A Memorial University researcher says he has uncovered a gap that needs filling before Newfoundland and Labrador faces its next pandemic or health-care disruption. 

The Faculty of Medicine’s Dr. Zachary Giovannini-Green’s study findings were published recently in PLOS Global Public Health, an academic journal that publishes research relevant to global health-care challenges. 

Dr. Giovannini-Green found that despite a drop in overall emergency department visits during the first year of COVID-19, young people in the province between the ages of 15–24 with psychological disorders like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder had significantly higher monthly emergency department visits.

Female patients and rural residents, in particular, showed the largest increases.

The findings indicate that these vulnerable groups relied even more heavily on hospital emergency departments when other services became less accessible. 

The findings also offer strong encouragement for Newfoundland and Labrador to plan how to implement a better means of caring for those with psychological disorders in the event of a future pandemic or similar health-care disruption. 

“If this cohort of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians required extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic, they will very likely require similar supports in the event of another global pandemic,” said Dr. Giovannini-Green. “Our health-care system, therefore, should be aware of these unique needs and make efforts to ensure that the appropriate policies and supports are in place should another pandemic occur.” 

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To arrange an interview with Dr. Zachary Giovannini-Green, please contact Kelly Foss, communications advisor, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, at 709-864-6358 or kfoss@mun.ca.