Examining the Long-term Psychosocial and Health Consequences of COVID-19 on Children with Health Vulnerabilities and their Families

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed deleterious impacts affecting the quality of pediatric health care. For vulnerable children (e.g., those with various pre-existing health condition) and their families, person/family-centred care is essential to their health and well-being, particularly in times of systemic challenge which paradoxically has been taxed during the pandemic. Earlier research of this team has highlighted individual, family, health care provider and system wide strains during the pandemic. Building on that research, this study will examine the longer-term health and mental health impacts, with an integrally important examination of means of supporting children and their families. We will examine the need for shifts in care processes to diminish negative impacts and conversely optimize patient care. Using qualitative data collection, this study will illuminate the perspectives of children, their families, and health care providers about extended COVID-19 impacts on care delivery and experience. We will recruit pediatric patients with varying conditions, their parents and health care providers. Diversity in sex and gender as well as ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds will be sought. Interviews, focus groups, review of care policies over the course of pandemic restrictions, and a Delphi consultation will be conducted. These multiple approaches will provide comprehensive information to guide pandemic preparedness and responsiveness, and as such, patient care. Recommendations for practice and policy will be offered.