The Secondary Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hospital Pediatrics

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Public Health
• Societal Impact of Pandemics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected pediatric care delivery and family well-being.
• Delays in accessing timely pediatric services have led to increased morbidity in children.
• This study investigates the wider range of negative outcomes for pediatric patients and families due to healthcare and societal shifts during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the broad spectrum of unintended negative consequences for pediatric patients and families.
• To identify themes related to the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric healthcare and societal changes.
• To inform strategies for delivering safe, high-quality, family-centered pediatric care in the post-pandemic era.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative case series methodology was employed.
• Full-time doctors, dentists, and nurse practitioners at a Canadian tertiary care children's hospital were surveyed bi-weekly.
• Narrative synthesis was used to analyze reported clinical cases and identify themes.

Main Results:

• 141 clinicians reported 57 unique cases within the first 6 weeks.
• Thematic analysis of 50 cases revealed 6 primary themes related to healthcare quality domains (safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, equitable).
• Identified themes highlighted impacts on families, siblings, disease diagnosis, and hospital care provision.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial social and clinical impact on hospitalized pediatric patients and their families.
• These findings underscore the unintended consequences affecting family dynamics, sibling care, diagnosis, and healthcare delivery.
• Recognizing these broad implications is essential for ensuring safe, high-quality, family-centered pediatric care moving forward.