The need for psychiatry in general hospitals and human resources and leadership in the face of multiple disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Recently, the number of natural disasters, man-made disasters, COVID-19 pandemic, and various other disasters have been increasing, and the importance of mental health is being discussed. We have considered what is required of general hospital psychiatrists from various perspectives, including disaster, public health, and occupational medicine in this new era. In Japan, a country where disasters are common, hospitals must be able to provide medical care even in times of a disaster. Assuming and responding to disasters even in normal times will ultimately help hospitals, their staff, and local medical care teams. This will also lead to public mental health awareness. It is also important to maintain the perspective of occupational mental health in the hospital, especially during disasters. We believe that personnel from general hospital psychiatry departments with the knowledge and experience to deal with these issues are needed. As community leaders, it is necessary to develop leaders who can design the medium- and long-term future of community mental health care. Human resources needs to be nurtured in general hospital psychiatry departments to help contribute to the community based on multidisciplinary cooperation and collaboration.