In:
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 100, No. 9 ( 2021-9), p. 821-830
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to rehabilitation therapies and the impact of changes in therapy access on the physical and mental well-being of children with motor impairment and their caregivers. Design Caregivers of children younger than 18 yrs with childhood-onset motor impairment (primarily cerebral palsy) completed an anonymous survey through the online platform REDCap between May 5 and July 13, 2020. Results The survey was completed by 102 participants. Before the pandemic, 92 of 102 children (90%) were receiving one or more therapies; at the time surveyed, 55 children (54%) were receiving any therapies ( P 〈 0.001). More than 40% of the sample reported increased child stress, decreased physical activity, and/or decline in mobility/movement. Participants who reported a decrease in number of therapies at the time surveyed more frequently reported lower satisfaction with treatment delivery ( P 〈 0.001), a decline in child’s mobility ( P = 0.001), and increased caregiver stress ( P = 0.004). Five qualitative themes were identified from open-ended question responses related to therapies and well-being. Conclusions Access to pediatric rehabilitation therapies was disrupted during COVID-19. Disrupted access may be related to impact on physical and mental health. With the expansion of telehealth, caregiver and child feedback should be incorporated to optimize benefit.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1537-7385
,
0894-9115
DOI:
10.1097/PHM.0000000000001818
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2272463-1
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2049617-5
SSG:
31
