The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism: impact on early childhood development and implications for physicians
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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Nicola Brodie1, Joanna E Perdomo2, Elizabeth A Silberholz2
1Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.
Insights
Racism significantly impacts early childhood development and access to care. New resources aim to help healthcare providers address racism, improve developmental services, and support physician well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant healthcare and racial inequities.
- Racism, starting prenatally, adversely affects early childhood physical and mental health.
- Disparities in accessing developmental services hinder early intervention for children with developmental delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on racism's impact on early childhood development.
- To examine disparities in developmental service access.
- To identify strategies for promoting healthcare provider well-being.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research.
- Analysis of studies on racism and child development.
- Examination of healthcare system interventions.
Main Results:
- Early exposure to racism is linked to negative health outcomes.
- Significant barriers exist in screening and service provision for developmental delays.
- Pediatric providers face risks of secondary traumatic stress and burnout.
Conclusions:
- New resources are available to help pediatric providers address racism.
- Novel approaches to accessing developmental resources have been developed.
- Strategies exist to protect the pediatric workforce from trauma and burnout.
Purpose Of Review:
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted healthcare and racial inequities. This article discusses recent literature documenting the impact of racism on early childhood development, disparities in access to developmental services and ways healthcare providers and health systems can promote physician well being during these difficult times.
Recent Findings:
Exposure to racism begins prenatally, and early childhood experiences with racism are intimately tied to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Early intervention is key to treating children with developmental delay, but disparities exist in accessing eligibility screening and in the provision of services. Paediatric providers are at risk of developing secondary traumatic stress and burnout, which may affect the care that they provide.
Summary:
New research has led to the development of resources that help paediatric providers address racism, access developmental resources in a novel manner and protect the paediatric workforce from trauma and burnout.
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