89 The Unintended Consequences and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients, Families and Clinicians in a Children’s Hospital

Abstract

Primary Subject areaHospital PaediatricsBackgroundThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has broad implications for children and families. Healthcare experience and delivery has changed significantly, and changes will likely continue for some time. Particular attention has been paid to delays in accessing timely pediatric care leading to unintended morbidity.ObjectivesThis study aimed (1) to describe the broader spectrum of unintended negative consequences by describing the courses of care altered by the COVID-19 pandemic from the clinician's perspectives and (2) to identify thematic similarities to inform clinical practice change.Design/MethodsAll full-time doctors, dentists, and nurse practitioners working at a tertiary care children’s hospital in Canada were surveyed every two weeks throughout the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked them to identify and describe clinical cases in which they perceived a negative outcome associated with hospital or societal changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis followed a qualitative case series methodology using a narrative synthesis approach to determine similarities and associated themes.ResultsTwo-hundred and twelve clinicians reported 116 cases. Several broad themes emerged, including (1) timeliness of care, (2) disruption of child and family-centred care, (3) new pressures in the provision of safe and efficient care and (4) inequity in the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within each of these themes, subthemes emerged, highlighting its impact on (1) patients, (2) their families and (3) healthcare providers. Table 1 provides examples of cases within each theme.ConclusionThe broad consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic impact patients, families, healthcare providers and the healthcare system. Understanding this breadth is necessary as we strive to deliver safe, high quality, family-centred pediatric care in this new era. As the pandemic continues, we need to consider carefully how to provide elective and ambulatory care, including surgery, in this era of social distancing. Particular attention is needed to understand particular aspects, including vulnerable children and the clinician experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.