Health Care Providers’ Perspectives on COVID-19 and Medical Neglect in Children with Life-Threatening Complex Chronic Conditions
Date
2022
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Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
Abstract
Purpose
Little is known regarding medical neglect in children with Life-Threatening Complex Chronic Conditions (LT-CCCs). We examined the impact of COVID-19 on concern for medical neglect in this population.
Methods
Qualitative interview study of multi-disciplinary health care providers (HCPs) from critical care, palliative care, and complex care services on the topic of medical neglect in children with LT-CCCs. We used inductive thematic analysis to generate themes. Findings presented herein are derived from a sub-analysis of the larger study that focused specifically on discussion of COVID-19 by HCPs.
Results
9 of the 20 HCPs interviewed mentioned COVID-19 as influencing situations of potential medical neglect. These 9 represent all disciplines and teams. Interviewees reported COVID-19 increased burden on parents and likelihood of medical neglect due to: 1) Familial distancing from medical and social support and, 2) Changes to medical care delivery that impaired the medical community’s ability to engage and support families.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of the medical and social systems that supports families of children with LT-CCCs. These findings are consistent with previous literature that suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk for child maltreatment. It additionally highlights the vulnerability of this patient population.
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Keywords
child medical neglect, COVID-19
Citation
Cleveland, R. W., Deming, R. S., Helton, G., Wilson, C. R., & Ullrich, C. K. (2022). Health Care Providers’ Perspectives on COVID-19 and Medical Neglect in Children with Life-Threatening Complex Chronic Conditions. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 1-7.