JPSM-D-21-01071_R2 Author Accepted Clean.pdf (249.47 kB)
COVID-19: impact on pediatric palliative care
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 02:45 authored by Hannah May Scott, Lucy Coombes, Debbie Braybrook, Anna Roach, Daney Harðardóttir, Katherine Bristowe, Clare Ellis-Smith, Irene Higginson, Wei Gao, Myra Bluebond-Langner, Bobbie FarsidesBobbie Farsides, Fliss E M Murtagh, Lorna K Frase, Richard HardingContext Children and young people (CYP) with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions (LLLTC) and their families are potentially vulnerable during COVID-19 lockdowns due to pre-existing high clinical support needs and social participation limitations. Objectives To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on this population. Methods Sub-analysis of an emergent COVID-19 related theme from a larger semi-structured interview study investigating priority pediatric palliative care outcomes. 106 UK-wide purposively-sampled CYP with LLLTC, parent/carers, siblings, health professionals and commissioners. Results COVID-19 was raised by participants in 12/44 interviews conducted after the UK's first confirmed COVID-19 case. Key themes included loss of vital social support, disruption to services important to families, and additional psychological distress. Conclusions Continued delivery of child- and family-centred palliative care requires innovative assessment and delivery of psycho-social support. Disruptions within treatment and care providers may compound support needs, requiring co-ordination for families facing multi-agency delays.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Journal of Pain and Symptom ManagementISSN
0885-3924Publisher
ElsevierDepartment affiliated with
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes