The experiences of children with a cardiac transplant, their families and health care providers in the COVID‐19 pandemic. (13th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zulla, Rosslynn T.; Nicholas, David B.; West, Lori J.; Chan, Sarah; McCoy, Marie; Urschel, Simon
• Other Names: Dipchand Anne guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric transplantation. Volume 26:Number 8(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-09-13
• Subjects: cardiac transplantation -- care impacts -- COVID‐19 -- pediatrics; Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc. in children -- Periodicals; 617.95408305
• DOI: 10.1111/petr.14388
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1397-3142

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has had deleterious impacts on pediatric patients and families, as well as the healthcare providers who have attended to their care needs. Methods: In this qualitative study, children with a cardiac transplant, as well as their families and healthcare providers were interviewed to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on pediatric care, as well as on patients' and their families' daily lives. Participants were recruited from a children's hospital in western Canada. Fifteen caregiving parents of transplanted children, 2 young patients, and 8 healthcare providers participated in interviews. Results: Findings highlighted how families and their healthcare providers experienced pandemic‐related shifts. Themes highlighted experiences, which entailed (1) initially hearing about the COVID‐19 pandemic; (2) learning about their new reality; (3) adjusting to the pandemic; (4) adjusting to shifts in pediatric services; (5) evolving a view on the future, and (6) offering recommendations for cardiac care in a pandemic. Conclusions: Study implications emphasize the need to critically reflect on, and advance, methods of helping young patients and their families in pandemic circumstances, and supporting healthcare providers.