Due to pre-existing high clinical support demands and social engagement constraints, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening diseases and their families are potentially vulnerable during COVID-19 lockdowns. For a study, researchers sought to investigate the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdowns’ influence on the population.
A sub-analysis of a COVID-19-related emerging theme from larger semi-structured interview research evaluating prioritized pediatric palliative care outcomes. One hundred and sixty people were purposefully sampled across the United Kingdom. Children and adolescents with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, their parents/caregivers, siblings, health professionals, and commissioners
COVID-19 was mentioned by 12/44 interviewees following the first verified COVID-19 case in the United Kingdom. Key themes were the loss of critical social support, disruptions to crucial family services, and increased psychological anguish.
To continue providing child and family-centered palliative care, novel evaluation and delivery of psychosocial support were required. In addition, disruptions in treatment and care providers may exacerbate support requirements, necessitating coordination for families dealing with multiagency delays.
Reference: jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(22)00422-5/fulltext
