COVID-19: Impact on Pediatric Palliative Care

COVID-19: Impact on Pediatric Palliative Care

Scott HM; Coombes L; Braybrook D; Roach A; Hardardottir D; Bristowe K; Ellis-Smith C; Higginson I; Gao W; Bluebond-Langner M; Farsides B; Murtagh FE; Fraser LK; Harding R

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

2022

Covid-19; Palliative Care; Pediatrics

Context: Children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families are potentially vulnerable during COVID-19 lockdowns due to pre-existing high clinical support needs and social participation limitations. Objective(s): To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on this population. Method(s): Sub-analysis of an emergent COVID-19 related theme from a larger semi-structured interview study investigating priority pediatric palliative care outcomes. One hundred and six United Kingdom-wide purposively-sampled Children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, parent/carers, siblings, health professionals, and commissioners. Result(s): COVID-19 was raised by participants in 12/44 interviews conducted after the United Kingdom's first confirmed COVID-19 case. Key themes included loss of vital social support, disruption to services important to families, and additional psychological distress. Conclusion(s): Continued delivery of child- and family-centered palliative care requires innovative assessment and delivery of psycho-social support. Disruptions within treatment and care providers may compound support needs, requiring cordination for families facing multiagency delays. Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

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