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Effect of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Pediatric Intestinal Failure Healthcare Delivery
Author(s) -
Galloway David P.,
Mathis Michelle S.,
Wilkinson Linda T.,
Venick Robert S.,
Wendel Danielle,
Cole Conrad R.,
Martin Colin A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1002/jpen.2000
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , medical prescription , health care , pediatric gastroenterology , covid-19 , population , family medicine , telemedicine , disease , pediatrics , environmental health , nursing , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , economic growth
Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has influenced how healthcare is being provided, particularly in patients whose diagnoses require multidisciplinary care, such as pediatric intestinal failure (IF). We sought to ascertain the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare delivery for pediatric patients with IF. Methods A 20‐question survey was administered to members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Intestinal Rehabilitation (IR) Special Interest Group. Input values were “yes” and “no,” along with a free‐text response. Following a 10‐day open survey period, data were divided into cohorts based on patient population size and disease burden by state. Analysis was then performed using the χ 2 test application. Results Responses from 29 centers were included in analysis. Centers that followed >50 patients on parenteral nutrition (PN) were more likely to have social workers present in telemedicine visits and observed more central line difficulties among families. Centers located in states with <40,000 reported cases of COVID‐19 saw patients less frequently and were more likely to withhold changes to PN prescriptions. Additionally, the survey revealed a significant degree of financial hardship and food insecurity among families. Conclusion Many aspects of pediatric IF healthcare delivery have been impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic, both for care providers and caregivers. Despite the availability of telemedicine, IR centers should remain attentive to the global needs of the pediatric IF patient, as well as their families.