Parents voice their experiences of caring for children with special healthcare needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elif Isik, Nina M Fredland, Rebecca J Schultz
PMID 37164783WHAT IT FOUND
Parents said pandemic closures and missed therapy made children lose ground, while parents became teachers, nurses and therapists at home.
Supply problems, fear of clinics and lost routines were major stressors, even when family time helped.
Key findings
01Parents said pandemic disruptions and virtual or cancelled therapy made them worry children would lose skills and progress.
02Parents described taking over therapy, school and care at home, often without needed equipment or a suitable space.
03Some parents reported silver linings, including more family time, healthier routines and outdoor nature activities.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was small and purposive, so the themes cannot be generalized to all families. The sample was mostly Caucasian mothers and included no Black or African American participants. The study only included children within a defined school-aged and adolescent range, so very young children were not represented. All participants had internet access and enough resources to make home accommodations, so families with fewer resources may not be represented. The study did not capture parents' thoughts about COVID-19 vaccination for their children.
Declared interests
The authors reported no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by the Lucile Petry Leone Research Grants and Sigma Theta Tau International, Beta Beta Houston Chapter.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these parent reports as proof that home or virtual therapy worked for children with special health needs. The parents said virtual therapy was often inadequate, and most children did not engage well through a screen.