Family care of children with chronic conditions in the context of the pandemic by COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: to describe how families experienced the care of children in chronic condition during the pandemic by COVID-19. Methods: qualitative study, guided by the Family Management Style Model, conducted with 24 families of children in chronic condition. The data, collected by telephone contact through semi-structured interviews, were submitted to thematic analysis. Results: data analysis resulted in three thematic categories: Changes in the routine of family members; Emotions triggered in family members and children due to the pandemic; and Implications of the pandemic by COVID-19 for the continuity of care. They highlighted: incorporation of hygiene care, social distancing concomitant to domestic and professional activities at home; and feelings of fear and concern about the children's health and development and the need for caregivers to provide rehabilitation and support for school activities. Conclusion: it was observed that the pandemic changed the family routine, produced negative feelings in families, modified care demands and compromised access to services. Contributions to practice: these results contribute to the identification of the repercussions of COVID-19 on families and children with chronic conditions and can help establish strategies to reduce the consequences of this pandemic and other future health emergencies.