COVID-19: impact on pediatric palliative care

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Scott, Hannah May, Coombes, Lucy, Braybrook, Debbie, Roach, Anna, Harðardóttir, Daney, Bristowe, Katherine, Ellis-Smith, Clare, Higginson, Irene, Gao, Wei, Bluebond-Langner, Myra, Farsides, Bobbie, Murtagh, Fliss E M, Frase, Lorna K and Harding, Richard (2022) COVID-19: impact on pediatric palliative care. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. ISSN 0885-3924

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Abstract

Context
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.

Item Type: Article
Schools and Departments: Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Clinical and Experimental Medicine
SWORD Depositor: Mx Elements Account
Depositing User: Mx Elements Account
Date Deposited: 01 Mar 2022 07:43
Last Modified: 01 Mar 2022 08:00
URI: http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/104628

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