COVID-19 transformed their world: how the pandemic affected care for children with cancer.

Brain cancer in children is a particularly complex type of oncology that necessitates careful monitoring by medical professionals and comprehensive support from family members. However, recent studies have revealed how the recent pandemic has impacted the relatives of affected children and their ability to provide assistance.

https://focus.ua/technologies/687147-covid-19-izmenil-ih-mir-kak-pandemiya-povliyala-na-uhod-za-detmi-bolnymi-rakom2025-01-08 07:47:37

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Lancaster University conducted the first comprehensive study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of children and adolescents with brain tumors. This significant work highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by families and healthcare professionals and offered practical recommendations for mitigating the effects of such disruptions in the future, reports Cambridge University Hospitals.

Childhood brain tumors are the second most common type of cancer in children in the UK, with around 500 new cases reported each year. Timely diagnosis is crucial, as delays can complicate treatment and increase the risk of mortality or long-term disability. However, during the pandemic, diagnosing these conditions became challenging due to disruptions in primary healthcare services and educational institutions, as well as reduced access to in-person consultations.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal Open, was led by Ibrahim Jalloh, a consultant neurosurgeon at Addenbrooke's Hospital, and Professor Rachel Isba from Lancaster Medical School and Alder Hey Children's Hospital. The research team conducted interviews with 20 caregivers, 10 children, and 16 stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and charity representatives, across the UK.

Participants shared their experiences from the onset of symptoms to recovery after treatment, identifying key pain points and areas needing improvement. The main findings highlighted five core themes: difficulties in accessing the healthcare system, strained family life under restrictions, challenges in establishing effective communication with healthcare workers, limited emotional and practical support, as well as ongoing community-level care issues.

Hospital visitation restrictions, mask mandates, and social distancing were particularly challenging, exacerbating the emotional burden on families and complicating interactions with healthcare professionals, the authors found. Families expressed gratitude to medical staff for their compassion and emphasized the importance of camaraderie during treatment.

However, the transition to home care often felt isolating for many, and caregivers frequently lacked adequate support and guidance. Jalloh emphasized that the study provides practical recommendations for families and stakeholders to strengthen healthcare systems during future global crises. Professor Isba noted that the study's findings are a vital resource for ensuring a more comprehensive and effective response during pandemics.

Such research lays the groundwork for enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems, ensuring uninterrupted support for vulnerable populations even in emergencies, the authors believe.

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