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Shin J, Hong MJ, Park JB, Lee YJ. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rehabilitation therapy of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a nationwide, health insurance data-based study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1374766. [PMID: 38873308 PMCID: PMC11169719 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1374766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly affected the utilization of rehabilitation services. Existing evidence investigating this issue at the nationwide level is lacking, and it is uncertain whether the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of rehabilitation therapy of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the rehabilitation therapy of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Methods We obtained data from South Korea's Health Insurance Review and Assessment Agency for 2017-2021. By analyzing the claims data, we focused on rehabilitation therapy in individuals with CP under 18 years of age. We categorized these according to therapy type (physical, occupational, or dysphagia), medical facility, hospital visits, and insurance. We calculated the patient counts and average claims per person and compared the average from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Over the 5 years, there was a significant decline in the number of patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy (trend p = 0.004), but the average claims per person remained stable (trend p = 0.971). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the average number of claims per person decreased significantly compared to the control period (p = 0.013). Both the physical (p = 0.049) and occupational therapy groups (p = 0.019) showed significant differences in claims. General hospitals and hospitals experienced a decrease in average cases by 2.2 (p < 0.001) and 2.4 (p < 0.001) respectively, while long-term care hospitals increased by 3.1 cases (p < 0.001). Outpatients showed a decline of 2.0 cases (p < 0.001), whereas inpatients showed an increase of 5.9 cases (p < 0.001). Individuals with health insurance decreased by 0.5 cases (p = 0.007), but the decrease of 0.08 cases among medical aid-covered individuals was not statistically significant (p = 0.898). Conclusion In 2020-2021, the average number of claims per person showed a significant decrease compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (2017-2019). Depending on the type of treatment, the number of claims for physical and occupational therapy significantly decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Shin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jin Hong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Bum Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Jin Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Evangelou G, Adams SN. "Tremendous burdens often unveil enormous gifts": The experiences of South African caregivers implementing speech and language teletherapy for children with cerebral palsy during COVID-19. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2024; 17:85-96. [PMID: 38251071 PMCID: PMC10977356 DOI: 10.3233/prm-220118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In accordance with South Africa's restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, some speech-language pathologists (SLPs) attempted to engage in novice teletherapy regimes to ensure continuity of care for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of children with CP implementing SLP teletherapy during COVID-19 in South Africa. The goal was to shed light on how these families can be better supported and how teletherapy practices can be adjusted for this population. METHODS This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design using in-person and virtual semi-structured interviews with 18 purposively sampled participants with children with CP who received speech and language teletherapy during COVID-19. The data was evaluated using an inductive thematic analysis approach whereby themes elicited from the caregivers' narratives were analyzed. RESULTS Interviews (n = 18) unveiled the significant understanding caregivers gained by becoming integral and active stakeholders in the provision of teletherapy. Caregivers were able to meaningfully communicate and bond with their children with CP. However, caregivers also assumed the burden that teletherapy placed on them, as they had to renegotiate their role during the pandemic in order to provide routine teletherapy. CONCLUSION Findings indicated the need for person-centered SLP teletherapy interventions that utilize contextually and culturally responsive techniques and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Evangelou
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Skye Nandi Adams
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Brugnaro BH, Vieira FN, Fernandes G, de Camargo OK, Fumincelli L, de Campos AC, Pavão SL, Rocha NACF. Exploration of the Feasibility of Remote Assessment of Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities: Parents' Perspectives and Related Contextual Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15101. [PMID: 36429822 PMCID: PMC9690884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted face-to-face health services, leveraging telehealth strategies. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate, from a parent's perspective, the feasibility of a remote assessment of functioning in children with developmental disabilities during the pandemic and related contextual factors, based on how parents carry out the assessment. Parents of children with developmental disabilities (mean age = 7.56 ± 3.68) responded to a remote assessment via electronic forms and telephone interview. We analyzed parents' perspectives about the feasibility of the assessment. We also tested the association between feasibility score and sociodemographics/pandemic experience. Regression analysis tested if children's functioning characteristics predicted feasibility. A total of 57 mothers completed the remote assessment, and more than 95% did not report difficulties in accessing/responding to electronic forms. They scored remote assessment as easy and feasible, and reported no difficulties with telephone interview. Greater feasibility rates were related to lower maternal age (rho Spearman = -0.290; p = 0.029). The model shows that children's characteristics predicted 20.4% of feasibility (p < 0.005). Remote assessment showed to be feasible. Younger mothers might consider easier-to-use technologies, beyond considering remote assessment more viable. These results can guide the next steps in research and remote clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Helena Brugnaro
- Child Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Nascimento Vieira
- Child Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Gesica Fernandes
- Child Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Olaf Kraus de Camargo
- CanChild, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Laís Fumincelli
- Department of Nursing, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina de Campos
- Child Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Letícia Pavão
- Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira Rocha
- Child Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
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Palomo-Carrión R, Romero-Galisteo RP, Romay-Barrero H, Cortés-Vega MD, Casuso-Holgado MJ, Pinero-Pinto E. Impact of lack of face-to-face schooling during COVID-19 confinement on family quality of life of children with disabilities and typical development. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022; 13:20406223221078091. [PMID: 35237399 PMCID: PMC8883405 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221078091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the lack of face-to-face schooling during the COVID-19 confinement on the family quality of life of children aged 3–6 years with hemiplegia, obstetrical brachial palsy, and typical development. Materials and Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study, using an online survey hosted in Google Forms from October to December 2020, was performed in families with children with infantile hemiplegia, obstetrical brachial palsy, and typical development aged 3–6 years living in Spain. The quality of life and family impact (measured through Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaires, PedsQL™) were evaluated, as well as the affected upper limb side, the presence of other associated problems, the parents’ job, lack of use of the affected upper limb, and the type of online intervention using different channels: phone calls, emails, and video calls. Family expectations on the treatment and on their acquired capacity to solve problems related to their children were also measured. Results: A total of 93 families participated in the study and the children’s quality of life and family impact obtained a strong correlation in three populations: infantile hemiplegia (r = 0.844), obstetrical brachial palsy (r = 0.513), and typical development (r = 0.904). There was no association between quality of life and online intervention (phone calls and emails were selected), p > 0.05. Conclusion: The deprivation of schooling coupled with home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a greater impact on the quality of life of children with disabilities: infantile hemiplegia and obstetrical brachial palsy than on typically developing children and on their families. However, the online intervention did not produce improvements in quality of life, which could be a consequence of using emails or phone calls instead of video calls to interact with the families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Palomo-Carrión
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
- Pediatric Unit, Hemi-Child-Research [Group of Research in Physiotherapy of Toledo (GIFTO)], Toledo, Spain
| | - Rita-Pilar Romero-Galisteo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa St., 3 (Campus Teatinos), 29014 Málaga, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Helena Romay-Barrero
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - María-Dolores Cortés-Vega
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Casuso-Holgado
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Bhaskar AR, Gad MV, Rathod CM. Impact of COVID Pandemic on the Children with Cerebral Palsy. Indian J Orthop 2022; 56:927-932. [PMID: 35068545 PMCID: PMC8764506 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-021-00591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID pandemic has been raging across the world for the past 18 months and has severely impacted healthcare and resources. Children with special needs have been adversely affected by the COVID pandemic, due to lack of formal schooling, access to rehabilitation and limited physical and social activity. The aim of this online survey was to understand the effect of the pandemic on the children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). METHODS An online survey was conducted using a nine parts questionnaire comprising 26 questions. Survey included questions pertaining to demographic data, ambulatory status, lack of access to physiotherapy, orthotic adjustment, surgery, deterioration of function, and behaviour. A simple binary answer was sought to cover all social strata of society. RESULTS Responses were received from 101 caregivers who participated in an online questionnaire. 25.7% had no therapy sessions, 74.2% were on therapy of which 23.7% had online sessions. The lockdown restrictions coupled with lack of rehabilitation and orthotic support led to deterioration in physical function in 54 children and worsening of deformity in 34. Changes in behavioural pattern was observed in 45 children. CONCLUSION The survey revealed major disruptions in the care of Children with CP. The parents reported difficulties in managing the child therapy at home. There is always a possibility that the pandemic will result in a lockdown again, and hence our approach toward physical therapy assessment and rehabilitation needs to be towards home-based and family-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul R. Bhaskar
- Department of Orthopaedics, Children Orthopaedic Clinic, Andheri, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Chasanal M. Rathod
- grid.511852.aDepartment of Orthopaedics, SRCC Children’s Hospital, Haji Ali, Mumbai, India
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Dogruoz Karatekin B, İcagasioglu A, Sahin SN, Kacar G, Bayram F. How Did the Lockdown Imposed Due to COVID-19 Affect Patients With Cerebral Palsy? Pediatr Phys Ther 2021; 33:246-249. [PMID: 34323865 PMCID: PMC8478098 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000000818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) caused disruption of the treatment and follow-up evaluations of children with cerebral palsy. AIM The change in mobility, pain, functional status, and spasticity was investigated who were followed in a pediatric rehabilitation unit after the lockdown. METHODS One hundred ten children were evaluated. Pain, severity of spasticity, botulinum toxin administration dates, and continuity of home exercises were recorded. The functional status was evaluated with the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). RESULTS The WeeFIM self-care and mobility subscale scores and total scores were significantly worse. Only 5 of the participants had pain in the previous evaluations; in the last evaluation, 29 had pain complaints. The pain and spasticity severity of the participants whose botulinum toxin administration was delayed were significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS The children with cerebral palsy should be followed with telemedicine at short intervals, and when necessary, in the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilinc Dogruoz Karatekin
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic (Drs Dogruoz Karatekin, Sahin, Kacar, and Bayram), Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Dr İcagasioglu), Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Afitap İcagasioglu
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic (Drs Dogruoz Karatekin, Sahin, Kacar, and Bayram), Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Dr İcagasioglu), Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seyma Nur Sahin
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic (Drs Dogruoz Karatekin, Sahin, Kacar, and Bayram), Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Dr İcagasioglu), Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülnihal Kacar
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic (Drs Dogruoz Karatekin, Sahin, Kacar, and Bayram), Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Dr İcagasioglu), Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fethullah Bayram
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic (Drs Dogruoz Karatekin, Sahin, Kacar, and Bayram), Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Dr İcagasioglu), Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Yılmaz Yalçınkaya E, Karadağ Saygı E, Özyemişci Taşkıran Ö, Çapan N, Kutlay Ş, Sonel Tur B, El Ö, Ünlü Akyüz E, Tekin S, Ofluoğlu D, Zİnnuroğlu M, Akpınar P, Özekli Mısırlıoğlu T, Hüner B, Nur H, Çağlar S, Sezgin M, Tıkız C, Öneş K, İçağasıoğlu A, Aydın R. Consensus recommendations for botulinum toxin injections in the spasticity management of children with cerebral palsy during COVID-19 outbreak. Turk J Med Sci 2021; 51:385-392. [PMID: 33350298 PMCID: PMC8203129 DOI: 10.3906/sag-2009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spasticity is the most common motor disturbance in cerebral palsy (CP). Lockdown in the COVID-19 outbreak has profoundly changed daily routines, and similarly caused the suspension of spasticity treatment plans. Besides, the delay in botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection, which is important in the management of focal spasticity, led to some problems in children. This consensus report includes BoNT injection recommendations in the management of spasticity during the COVID-19 pandemic in children with CP. In order to develop the consensus report, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) specialists experienced in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and BoNT injections were invited by Pediatric Rehabilitation Association. Items were prepared and adapted to the Delphi technique by PMR specialists. Then they were asked to the physicians experienced in BoNT injections (PMR specialist, pediatric orthopedists, and pediatric neurologists) or COVID-19 (pediatric infectious disease, adult infectious disease). In conclusion, the experts agree that conservative management approaches for spasticity may be the initial steps before BoNT injections. BoNT injections can be administered to children with CP with appropriate indications and with necessary precautions during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Yılmaz Yalçınkaya
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital , University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Evrim Karadağ Saygı
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Özden Özyemişci Taşkıran
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Koç University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nalan Çapan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Şehim Kutlay
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Birkan Sonel Tur
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem El
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ece Ünlü Akyüz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, DışkapıTraining and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Süda Tekin
- Department Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Koç University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Demet Ofluoğlu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Zİnnuroğlu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pınar Akpınar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Health Science University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğçe Özekli Mısırlıoğlu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul Cerrahpaşa University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berrin Hüner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital , University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Nur
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Sibel Çağlar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bakırköy Sadi KonukTraining and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Sezgin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Canan Tıkız
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Kadriye Öneş
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Afitap İçağasıoğlu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul Medeniyet University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Resa Aydın
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Cankurtaran D, Tezel N, Yildiz SY, Celik G, Unlu Akyuz E. Evaluation of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with cerebral palsy, caregivers' quality of life, and caregivers' fear of COVID-19 with telemedicine. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 190:1473-1480. [PMID: 33834363 PMCID: PMC8032454 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02622-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background The sudden and unexpected pandemic changed the daily routine of the children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their caregivers. Aims This study aimed to investigate the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the utilization of health and rehabilitation services and the general health and physical status of children with CP. In addition, the second aim of the study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers’ quality of life (QOL) and their fear of COVID-19. Methods The utilization of children health and rehabilitation services during the pandemic, the general health and physical status of the children during the pandemic, and the children and caregivers’ history of COVID-19 infections were questioned. Furthermore, the caregivers’ level of fear of COVID-19 and their QOL were examined. Results One hundred twenty caregivers were contacted by phone, and 94 (78.33%) caregivers agreed to participate in the study. Sixty-three of 94 children (67.1%) did not attend their routine control check-up during the pandemic. Twelve children (12.8%) discontinued their physical therapy sessions during the pandemic. Caregivers physical and mental QOL significantly decreased during the pandemic (p < 0.05). The median of caregivers’ Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) was 17.5 (7–35). Conclusion We think that more attention should be given to telerehabilitation and telemedicine services of the clinicians who deal with the children with CP, and their caregivers in order to prevent the negative effects of future pandemic periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Cankurtaran
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Nihal Tezel
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sadik Yigit Yildiz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gulnur Celik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ece Unlu Akyuz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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How Did Italian Adolescents with Disability and Parents Deal with the COVID-19 Emergency? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041687. [PMID: 33578678 PMCID: PMC7916390 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 emergency has imposed distanced education and has interrupted most rehabilitation services. Adolescents with disabilities have been isolated, and the burden on their families has been exacerbated. A cross-sectional survey was administered to adolescents with disability and to parents of disabled children to describe their experience during lockdown and their concerns or expectations about rehabilitation. A sample of 53 adolescents and 239 parents completed the survey. Adolescents were ages 13–18 years old (45.3% female). Most parents were between 35 and 55 years old (84.9% female). While 53.6% of the parents reported no positive effects of the lockdown, 92.5% of the adolescents expressed favorable consequences. The increased time spent with family members was judged positively by 27.2% of parents and by 64.2% of adolescents. Concern for their child’s disability was expressed by 47.3% of parents, while 73.6% of adolescents expressed concerns regarding the ban on meeting friends. In both groups, anxiety symptoms were correlated with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and with financial problems. Parents would have liked even more remote support from school and healthcare professionals, which was available for most participants. Thus, socioeconomic support, assistive technology and telerehabilitation strategies might help families with disabilities during a lockdown.
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Rao PT. A Paradigm Shift in the Delivery of Physical Therapy Services for Children With Disabilities in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Phys Ther 2020; 101:5928661. [PMID: 33395475 PMCID: PMC7665735 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
With the COVID pandemic, the delivery of rehabilitation services has been greatly affected across lifespan, especially towards children with disabilities. The significant physical and mental health stressors of prolonged home confinement coupled with discontinuation of rehabilitation services can lead to several long-term concerns among children with disabilities. In light of the current events, our approach towards rehabilitation needs to be re-evaluated and revamped. The point of view highlights the potential ways in which we could continue to provide physical therapy services for children with disabilities. Use of family-centered and home-based models of care can be considered to reach out to children with disabilities using telerehabilitation and digital physical therapy by adopting a modified framework of care. The implications of the point of view may help aid clinician’s world-over to continue providing rehabilitation services to children with disabilities.
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