Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to the abrupt suspension of many businesses and services in Ontario including schools and childcare centres. This resulted in many parents struggling to identify options for childcare, including frontline healthcare workers (HCWs). A volunteer initiative composed of medical and dental students was developed to provide emergency childcare support to HCWs in Southwestern Ontario. Experts in areas of public health, law, and bioethics were consulted to minimize the risks associated with participation and develop a clear policy to prioritize the health and safety of all participants. Social media was utilized to recruit volunteers and HCWs who were matched on a first-come, first-served basis. 59 medical and dental students were recruited to provide emergency support for 21 HCWs within the unique safety and ethical conditions posed by COVID-19. By reflecting on the strengths of this initiative and the challenges faced during its completion, key areas of improvement were identified that should be addressed in future initiatives of a similar nature.
Highlights
As a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, all in-person learning at Western University was suspended beginning on March 12, 2020
The situation was declared a provincial state of emergency in Ontario on March 17. Accompanying this was the closure of childcare centres and public schools from March 23 to April 3
The policy was shared with medical student groups across Canada via social media who used it as a part of their own initiatives
Summary
As a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, all in-person learning at Western University was suspended beginning on March 12, 2020. The situation was declared a provincial state of emergency in Ontario on March 17 Accompanying this was the closure of childcare centres and public schools from March 23 to April 3. This sudden decision and lack of alternative means of support left many parents struggling to find adequate care for their children, including essential healthcare workers (HCWs) working tirelessly on the frontlines of the pandemic. This issue was promptly identified by two medical students (GK and YV) who each used social media to rally their classmates and devise a solution. The policy was shared with medical student groups across Canada via social media who used it as a part of their own initiatives
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