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Pearson A. Who cares about the carers? A call to action on behalf of mothers of disabled children. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2024; 8:1304676. [PMID: 38274840 PMCID: PMC10808806 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1304676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
This 'perspective' article is an urgent call to action on behalf of mothers (and indeed fathers) of disabled children in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so draws attention to the 'perfect storm' experienced by United Kingdom-based parents of reduced support and increased stress, coupled with the effects of isolation. It also illuminates some of the impact of actions taken, and not taken, during and after the pandemic and the enduring effects for working parent-carers. In doing so I argue that, despite facing these extreme challenges, these parents have been a neglected group from both a policy and research perspective. The call to action therefore extends to society, employers, and to the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Pearson
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Currie G, Materula D, Gall N, Lachuk G, Richard C, Yohemas M, Dewan T, Gibbard WB, Zwicker J. Care coordination of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and medical complexity during the COVID-19 pandemic: Caregiver experiences. Child Care Health Dev 2023. [PMID: 37407028 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health restrictions created significant challenges for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities with medical complexity and their caregivers including restrictions in care coordination for children and their families. Care coordination enhances families' skills in accessing and coordinating medical, education and disability care across sectors and systems. OBJECTIVE This study examined the implications of pandemic restrictions on care coordination from caregiver perspectives. These experiences can inform emergency preparedness planning and recovery strategies. METHOD A qualitative descriptive design was utilized to explore and describe the experience of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and medical complexity. Nineteen caregivers were interviewed about their experience with care coordination during the pandemic. FINDINGS Caregiver experiences of care coordination during the pandemic highlighted the importance of care coordination during a public health emergency. Two themes emerged: (1) disruptions to care coordination from initial COVID-19 restrictions leading to lack of access to supports and services, increasing level of need, and impacts of disruption for caregivers and children; and (2) adaptation and responsiveness to COVID-19 restrictions by advocating for families and managing uncertainties. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations include recognition of care coordination as a protective factor, designation as an essential service and sustained or increased funding for care coordination during emergencies. Families should be engaged in identifying care needs during care coordination, including during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Currie
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dercia Materula
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nadine Gall
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gina Lachuk
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Tammie Dewan
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Zwicker
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Parchomiuk M. Care and rehabilitation institutions for people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: Polish experiences. INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK 2023; 66:1080-1099. [PMID: 37457859 PMCID: PMC10336334 DOI: 10.1177/00208728211060471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
People with intellectual disabilities benefit from many forms of institutional support, which include residential, rehabilitation, and educational services. Changes caused by the pandemic, especially the introduction of new rules relating to various aspects of life, raised several challenges and problems in the functioning of these institutions and for the people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research concerned facilities providing services for people with intellectual disabilities in Poland during the pandemic. The research goal was to determine what changes took place in the rehabilitation and care institutions during the pandemic in terms of their organization and the functioning of their clients and personnel. An online questionnaire was used. The respondents were institution employees. Data showed a number of preventive, educational, and supportive activities carried out by the institutions. Adverse changes in the psychosocial functioning of people with intellectual disabilities and other problems during the pandemic were reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Parchomiuk
- Monika Parchomiuk, Institute of Pedagogy, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Maria Curie – Sklodowska University, Głęboka Street 45, 20-612 Lublin, Poland.
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Martin JA, Robertson K, Richards C, Scerif G, Baker K, Tye C. Experiences of parents of children with rare neurogenetic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:179. [PMID: 37291611 PMCID: PMC10249551 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01205-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted parental and child mental health and wellbeing in the UK. This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of children with rare neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions with a known or suspected genetic cause (neurogenetic) across the first year of the pandemic in the UK. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 parents of children with rare neurogenetic conditions. Parents were recruited via opportunity sampling from the CoIN Study, a longitudinal quantitative study exploring the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of families with rare neurogenetic conditions. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS Four main themes were identified: (1) "A varied impact on child wellbeing: from detrimental to 'no big drama'"; (2) "Parental mental health and wellbeing: impact, changes, and coping"; (3) "'The world had shut its doors and that was that': care and social services during the pandemic"; and (4) "Time and luck: abstract concepts central to parents' perspectives of how they coped during the pandemic". The majority of parents described experiencing an exacerbation of pre-pandemic challenges due to increased uncertainty and a lack of support, with a minority reporting positive effects of the pandemic on family wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS These findings offer a unique insight into the experiences parents of children with rare neurogenetic conditions across the first year of the pandemic in the UK. They highlight that the experiences of parents were not pandemic-specific, and will continue to be highly relevant in a non-pandemic context. Future support should to be tailored to the needs of families and implemented across diverse future scenarios to promote coping and positive wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Martin
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Kathryn Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Caroline Richards
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gaia Scerif
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Baker
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Charlotte Tye
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
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Isik E, Fredland NM, Schultz RJ. Parents voice their experiences of caring for children with special healthcare needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. J Pediatr Nurs 2023:S0882-5963(23)00109-4. [PMID: 37164783 PMCID: PMC10160524 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of parents and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS In this descriptive phenomenological study, the researchers used purposive and snowball sampling to recruit nineteen participants, ranging in age from 21 to 55 years of age until saturation was established. Colaizzi's method guided data analysis. Iterative examination of the interview transcripts, an audit trail, bracketing, and validation of findings with a subset of participants established trustworthiness. RESULTS Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic was the overarching theme. Four major themes emerged under Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic as follows: Disruptions in Daily Life, Shifts in Daily Life, Innovations in Daily Life, and Surprising Silver Linings. CONCLUSION This study elucidated an in-depth understanding of the positive and negative impacts of the pandemic on the lives of families living with a child with special needs. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected families and parenting approaches. Parents of children with special healthcare needs in this study found day-to-day living especially difficult in similar and unique ways. For virtually all parents the pandemic added new challenges in meeting their child's physical, mental, social, and educational needs. Parents and caregivers revealed innovative ways of maintaining a sense of normalcy during the height of the pandemic. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS These findings demonstrate the importance of developing interventions and creating public health policies as we move beyond the current pandemic and plan for potential outbreaks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Isik
- Texas Woman's University, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Houston Center, 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Nina M Fredland
- Texas Woman's University, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Houston Center, 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schultz
- Texas Woman's University, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Houston Center, 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Tarzi G, Mendoza O, Lunsky Y, St John L. The experiences and attitudes of family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at different timepoints in the COVID-19 pandemic. Disabil Health J 2023:101472. [PMID: 37120390 PMCID: PMC10077762 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased pressures for family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). However, little is known about how their attitudes and perceptions have changed over the course of the pandemic. OBJECTIVE To compare the COVID-19 experiences and attitudes of two groups of family caregivers, reported at different timepoints in the pandemic: prior to vaccine availability and after. METHODS As part of a larger research study, family caregivers of adults with IDD from across Canada completed surveys on their COVID-19 experiences. Survey questions included responses about access to supports, stressors, self-efficacy, mental wellbeing, and pandemic impacts on their family member with IDD. Respondents were assigned to either of two groups based on the time of questionnaire completion: late 2020/early 2021 for Group 1 and mid 2022 for Group 2. Descriptive statistics and analysis between groups were reported. RESULTS Despite being surveyed at different timepoints in the pandemic, both groups indicated concerns regarding lack of professional support and resources, lack of programming, and experiences of loneliness for their family members. However, Group 2 reported greater self-efficacy dealing with COVID-19 related challenges and greater overall mental wellbeing, compared to Group 1. Group 2 caregivers, after which vaccines were widely available in Canada, were largely vaccinated (96.4%). CONCLUSIONS Despite the COVID-19 pandemic persisting for over two years, family caregivers of adults with IDD reported facing the same challenges as families who reported on their experiences a year prior. Notwithstanding, family caregivers surveyed later in the pandemic described a greater sense of self-efficacy and mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Tarzi
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen St W, M6J 1H4, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia Mendoza
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen St W, M6J 1H4, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen St W, M6J 1H4, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Laura St John
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen St W, M6J 1H4, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Merrick H, Driver H, Main C, Kenny RPW, Richmond C, Allard A, Bola K, Morris C, Parr JR, Pearson F, Pennington L. Impacts of health care service changes implemented due to COVID-19 on children and young people with long-term disability: A mapping review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023. [PMID: 36649197 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify the research on childhood disability service adaptations and their impact on children and young people with long-term disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A mapping review was undertaken. We searched the World Health Organization Global COVID-19 database using the search terms 'children', 'chronic/disabling conditions', and 'services/therapies'. Eligible papers reported service changes for children (0-19 years) with long-term disability in any geographical or clinical setting between 1st January 2020 and 26th January 2022. Papers were charted across the effective practice and organization of care taxonomy of health system interventions and were narratively synthesized; an interactive map was produced. RESULTS Reduction of face-to-face care and usual provision had a huge impact on children and families. Adoption of telehealth provided continuity for the care and management of some conditions. There was limited evidence of changes to mental health services, transitions of care, social care, or child-reported satisfaction or acceptability of service changes. INTERPRETATION The long-term impacts of service change during the pandemic need full evaluation. However, widespread disruption seems to have had a profound impact on child and carer health and well-being. Service recovery needs to be specific to the individual needs of children with a disability and their families. This should be done through coproduction to ensure that service changes meet needs and are accessible and equitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Merrick
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Helen Driver
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chloe Main
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ryan P W Kenny
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine Richmond
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Christopher Morris
- Peninsula Childhood Disability Research Unit, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Pearson
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lindsay Pennington
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Zonneveld E, van Schelven F, Boeije H. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life among relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A longitudinal study. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 36:68-77. [PMID: 36134473 PMCID: PMC9539069 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID‐19 pandemic poses risks to the quality of life (QoL) of relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This paper investigates relatives' QoL and associated risk and buffering factors before and during the pandemic. Method Surveys were administered to three samples of relatives in the Netherlands in 2019 (N = 105) and during the first waves of COVID‐19 in June (N = 207) and October 2020 (N = 332). Associations between QoL and care burden, care competence, social support, and resilience, and changes over time were analysed using (logistic) regressions. Results No significant changes in overall QoL nor its domains were found. Care burden was negatively associated with QoL and increased during the pandemic. Care competence was lower than in 2019. Competence, social support, and resilience were positively associated with QoL. Conclusions Although relatives' QoL remained stable, the pandemic poses non‐negligible risks to their wellbeing. It is, therefore, crucial to provide relatives with adequate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Zonneveld
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Femke van Schelven
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hennie Boeije
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Garg P, Reid N, Lai T, Kent A, Crewes S, Roberts K. Supported COVID-19 Vaccination Pathways for Adolescents and Young Adults With Significant Challenging Behaviours and Developmental Disability. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:1707-1709. [PMID: 35869695 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Garg
- Specialist Intellectual Disability Health Team, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Reid
- Specialist Intellectual Disability Health Team, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Teresa Lai
- Specialist Intellectual Disability Health Team, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Kent
- Specialist Intellectual Disability Health Team, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone Crewes
- Specialist Intellectual Disability Health Team, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kylee Roberts
- Specialist Intellectual Disability Health Team, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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