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Vasey MJ, Tai XY, Thorpe J, Jones GD, Ashby S, Hallab A, Ding D, Andraus M, Dugan P, Perucca P, Costello DJ, French JA, O'Brien TJ, Depondt C, Andrade DM, Sengupta R, Datta A, Delanty N, Jette N, Newton CR, Brodie MJ, Devinsky O, Cross JH, Sander JW, Hanna J, Besag FMC, Sen A. The impact of COVID-19 on people with epilepsy: Global results from the coronavirus and epilepsy study. Epilepsia Open 2024. [PMID: 39225433 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the experience of people with epilepsy and aligned healthcare workers (HCWs) during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and compare experiences in high-income countries (HICs) with non-HICs. METHODS Separate surveys for people with epilepsy and HCWs were distributed online in April 2020. Responses were collected to September 2021. Data were collected for COVID-19 infections, the effect of COVID-related restrictions, access to specialist help for epilepsy (people with epilepsy), and the impact of the pandemic on work productivity (HCWs). The frequency of responses for non-HICs and HICs were compared using non-parametric Chi-square tests. RESULTS Two thousand one hundred and five individuals with epilepsy from 53 countries and 392 HCWs from 26 countries provided data. The same proportion of people with epilepsy in non-HICs and HICs reported COVID-19 infection (7%). Those in HICs were more likely to report that COVID-19 measures had affected their health (32% vs. 23%; p < 0.001). There was no difference between non-HICs and HICs in the proportion who reported difficulty in obtaining help for epilepsy. HCWs in non-HICs were more likely to report COVID-19 infection than those in HICs (18% vs 6%; p = 0.001) and that their clinical work had been affected by concerns about contracting COVID-19, lack of personal protective equipment, and the impact of the pandemic on mental health (all p < 0.001). Compared to pre-pandemic practices, there was a significant shift to remote consultations in both non-HICs and HICs (p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE While the frequency of COVID-19 infection was relatively low in these data from early in the pandemic, our findings suggest broader health consequences and an increased psychosocial burden, particularly among HCWs in non-HICs. Planning for future pandemics should prioritize mental healthcare alongside ensuring access to essential epilepsy services and expanding and enhancing access to remote consultations. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY We asked people with epilepsy about the effects of COVID-19 on their health and healthcare. We wanted to compare responses from people in high-income countries and other countries. We found that people in high-income countries and other countries had similar levels of difficulty in getting help for their epilepsy. People in high-income countries were more likely to say that their general health had been affected. Healthcare workers in non-high-income settings were more likely to have contracted COVID-19 and have the care they deliver affected by the pandemic. Across all settings, COVID-19 associated with a large shift to remote consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin You Tai
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Thorpe
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gabriel Davis Jones
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Asma Hallab
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Biologie Intégrative et Physiologie - Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégrées, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Neurology, Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Maria Andraus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Neurology and Neurophysiology Services, Deolindo Couto Institute of Neurology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patricia Dugan
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), Epilepsy Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Bladin-Berkovic Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel J Costello
- Epilepsy Service, Cork University Hospital & College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jacqueline A French
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chantal Depondt
- Department of Neurology, CUB Erasme Hospital, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles-Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Danielle M Andrade
- Division of Neurology, Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Norman Delanty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Beaumont Hospital, FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Charles R Newton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin J Brodie
- Epilepsy Unit, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - J Helen Cross
- UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Frank M C Besag
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Arjune Sen
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Panahi P, Mirzohreh ST, Zafardoust H, Khamnian Z, Alizadeh M. Navigating the waves: A systematic review of telemedicine interventions and health service access challenges in epilepsy during COVID-19. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 158:109934. [PMID: 39079379 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped the landscape of healthcare delivery, prompting a surge in the adoption of telemedicine as a means to ensure continuity of care. During the pandemic, patients with epilepsy experienced difficulties accessing healthcare and obtaining necessary medications, with a substantial percentage facing obstacles in acquiring anti-seizure medication and reaching healthcare professionals. Disruptions in the supply and distribution of medication, due to COVID-19-related actions, further caused more problems for people with epilepsy and their caregivers like increasing seizure frequency. The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, with evidence suggesting its potential benefits in various medical fields. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to investigate the challenges faced by patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic, including healthcare access and medication acquisition, as well as evaluate changes in seizure frequency. Additionally, we will synthesize existing evidence on the use of telemedicine to address the healthcare needs of these patients, exploring its advantages and limitations. METHODS This systematic review was prepared using PRISMA reporting guidelines. The databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Risk of Bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Following rigorous application of eligibility criteria, relevant data, covering both telemedicine-related and health service access information, were methodically extracted and organized using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The analytical procedures were executed through the utilization of Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. RESULTS A total of 70 articles included in this review. Regarding difficulties in accessing healthcare, 34% of PWE and 41% of caregivers experienced cancelled, changed or postponed appointments. Following issues with obtaining medicine, 13% of patients and 16% of caregivers had difficulties in medicine availability and 11% of patients and 10% of caregivers in medicine accessibility. A very high rate of 90% satisfaction with telemedicine was reported by PWE. 17.6% of PWE experienced an escalation, 9% a decrease and 67% no changes in seizure frequency. CONCLUSION This review and meta-analysis revealed that telemedicine and virtual communications have been helpful but not sufficient for meeting healthcare needs for PWE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there was a significant increase in seizure frequency among PWE who had difficulty obtaining medicine and access to healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhila Khamnian
- Department of Community Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahasti Alizadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Panahi P, Zafardoust H, Mirzohreh ST, Khamnian Z, Alizadeh M. The study of mental health status of people with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 157:109834. [PMID: 38852496 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of people with epilepsy (PWE) in various ways. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the mental health status and prevalence of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological distress among PWE. Furthermore, this study evaluates changes in sleep patterns and presence of sleep disturbances among them. The findings of this systematic review can help health organizations, policymakers, and health workers to better prepare and respond to future health crises for PWE and other chronic disease patients. METHOD This systematic review was prepared using PRISMA reporting guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for studies that reported data on mental health parameters including depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, quality of life, and sleep quality, during the pandemic until May 2023. The analytical procedures were executed through the utilization of Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. RESULTS In our study, a total of 61 carefully selected studies were analyzed, yielding valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of various mental health indicators among PWE. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of PWE experienced distressing psychological symptoms, with depression being reported by 34% of participants. Additionally, anxiety was prevalent among 43% of individuals, while stress symptoms were reported by 49% of respondents. Moreover, a substantial portion of PWE, approximately 38%, reported experiencing poor sleep quality, further underscoring the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by this population. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems to address the mental health concerns and sleep disturbances faced by individuals living with epilepsy. CONCLUSION The findings revealed that a substantial number of PWE experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and poor sleep quality. These results emphasize the importance of considering mental health and sleep assessments as integral components of care for individuals with epilepsy. The study underscores the need for further research and targeted interventions to address the mental health burden faced by this population. By prioritizing and addressing these challenges, healthcare providers can enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhila Khamnian
- Department of Community Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahasti Alizadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Wanigasinghe J, Thisarani Weeraratne C, Niroshika Dolapihilla B, Mahen Elapatha D. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of persons with epilepsy - A systematic review. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 149:109516. [PMID: 37952417 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of persons with epilepsy. METHODS This systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting in Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The PECO (Patient, Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) framework criteria were as follows: caregivers of persons with epilepsy; exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic; and outcomes, evaluated under 4 domains- Difficulties faced by caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, physical, emotional and behavioural impacts, diagnosed health conditions, and impact on clinical management and follow-up). Literature was searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane Library Databases. Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. RESULTS Data were extracted from 21 eligible articles from 199 and included 5810 caregivers of persons with epilepsy. In the domain of difficulties faced by caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the most significant effect was related to difficulties in obtaining and affording anti-seizure medications. Appointment cancellations also affected most caregivers (4/7 studies). Seizure exacerbation was not a major concern to them. Anxiety, reported by most caregivers in 5/7 studies, depression in 2/5 studies, stress by majority of caregivers in 4/6 studies, and increased substance use in one study were other significant bad experiences. Social isolation increased for the majority in 2/7 studies. Financial difficulties were described in two studies. Under caregivers' health conditions, there was only one study to review. Emotional issues affected majority in 3/7 studies, physical issues in 2/4 studies, and worsened behavior in one. With regards to clinical management and follow-up, most caregivers (4/5 studies) adopted self-management strategies, but 3/8 studies reported difficulties in accessing medications and healthcare services. Additionally, 4/8 studies highlighted communication and coordination difficulties with healthcare providers. Caregivers' attitude towards telemedicine varied across studies. SIGNIFICANCE COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on caregivers of persons with epilepsy, affecting their emotional, physical, and behavioral health. It limited their access to healthcare and impacted financial stability. Caregivers of persons with epilepsy need comprehensive support and resources during crisis situations.
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Ferretti A, Parisi P, Striano P, Spalice A, Iannetti P. Editorial: Stress neurobiology in COVID-19: diagnosis, neuroimaging and therapeutic tools. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1309043. [PMID: 38020589 PMCID: PMC10643119 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1309043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ferretti
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Spalice
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Iannetti
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Dal-Pai J, Dos Santos MP, Donida NDS, Cesarino MR, de Oliveira VHMS, Nunes ML. Health consequences and daily life modifications in children and adolescents with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic - a systematic review: Running Title: Covid-19 Pandemic in Children/Adolescents with Epilepsy. Seizure 2023; 108:102-115. [PMID: 37146514 PMCID: PMC10140054 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health care and daily life of children and adolescents with epilepsy. METHODS This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items guidelines and was registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42021255931). The PECO (Patient, Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) framework criteria were as follows: people with epilepsy (0-18 years old); exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic; and outcomes, including epilepsy type, time of clinical diagnosis, seizure exacerbation, treatment and medications, need for emergency because of seizures, sleep, behavior, comorbidities and/or concerns, social and/or economic impact, insurance status, electronic device use, telemedicine, and distance learning. Literature searches for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted on Embase and PubMed. The methodological quality of identified studies was assessed using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS Data were extracted from 23 eligible out of 597 identified articles and included 31,673 patients. The mean NOS scores for cross-sectional study design was 3.84/10, and for longitudinal, it was 3.5/8 stars. Seizure exacerbations were reported in three studies, difficulties with access to anti-seizure medications in two, changes in dosage in five, and visit postponed or cancelation in five studies. Problems with sleep were highlighted in three, issues related to distance learning in two, an increased time spent on electronic devices in three, and increased behavioral problems in eight studies. Telemedicine, when available, was described as useful and supporting patient's needs. CONCLUSION The pandemic affected the health care and lifestyle of young individuals with epilepsy. The main problems described revolved around seizure control, accessing anti-seizure medication, sleep and behavioral complains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janise Dal-Pai
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Michele Paula Dos Santos
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natalie da Silveira Donida
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Matheus Ribeiro Cesarino
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Midões Santana de Oliveira
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Magda Lahorgue Nunes
- Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Viny M, Trevino AY, Bouldin ED, Kalvesmaki A, Roghani A, Pugh MJ. Caregiver burden and COVID-19: How epilepsy caregivers experienced the pandemic. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 141:109151. [PMID: 36907084 PMCID: PMC9968611 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Caregivers of adults with epilepsy face unique challenges, yet most studies focus on the impact of epilepsy on those living with the condition, rather than the impact on caregivers. Our objective was to evaluate whether caregivers' pandemic-related changes and experiences - namely those related to their health, healthcare access, and well-being - were associated with their caregiving burden. METHODS Caregivers of adults with epilepsy (n = 261) were recruited through Qualtrics Panels to participate in an online survey examining health, well-being, COVID-19 experiences, and caregiver burden from October-December, 2020. The burden was measured using the Zarit 12-item measure; the clinically significant burden was defined as a score greater than 16. Adjustments were made to account for burden scores related to exposures of interest. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and generalized linear regression models were used to compare cross-sectional associations between COVID-19 experiences and burden. RESULTS Over half (57.9%) of caregivers had clinically significant caregiver burden. Most reported increased anxiety (65%), stress (64%), and sense of social isolation (58%) during the pandemic. Many caregivers reported that their sense of control over their life (44%) and their use of healthcare changed (88%) due to COVID-19. In adjusted models, caregivers who reported increased anger, increased anxiety, decreased sense of control, or changes in healthcare utilization during COVID-19 had about twice the odds of having clinically significant caregiver burden compared to caregivers who did not report changes. DISCUSSION Changes experienced by caregivers of adults with epilepsy during the pandemic were strongly associated with clinically significant levels of caregiver burden. These findings demonstrate the link between mass-level events, such as a pandemic, the burden caregivers of adults with epilepsy may carry, and subsequent psychological outcomes. CONCLUSION Caregivers of adults with epilepsy may need support to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19-related experiences and should be connected to healthcare and resources that can help alleviate their burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Viny
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Amira Y Trevino
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Department of Educational Psychology, University of Utah College of Education, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Erin D Bouldin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Andrea Kalvesmaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Ali Roghani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Mary Jo Pugh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
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Kronk R, Kim I, Nolfi D. Sleep in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities During COVID-19: An Integrative Review. J Pediatr Health Care 2023; 37:153-166. [PMID: 36334949 PMCID: PMC9550660 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleep issues occur at higher rates in children with neurodevelopmental disorders than in the typical population. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on sleep issues in this population METHOD: This integrative review aimed to characterize studies during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) addressing the prevalence and management of sleep issues in children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders.Comprehensive database searches were used to identify articles, and 31 studies were considered suitable for this review. RESULTS Most studies reported worsening sleep disturbances during COVID-19 restrictions. All studies were conducted when clinics were closed; only two studies addressed treatment options such as music therapy and sleep hygiene education and found improvement in sleep issues. DISCUSSION Future research needs to concentrate on developing interventions to assist families remotely and empower families with a toolkit of preparedness in times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kronk
- Rebecca Kronk, Professor and Inah Kim, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Inah Kim
- Rebecca Kronk, Professor and Inah Kim, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - David Nolfi
- David Nolfi, Head, Research Engagement, Health Science/STEM Initiatives & Assessment Coordinator, Gumberg Library, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
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Kubota M, Haga N. Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on families of patients with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. Pediatr Int 2023; 65:e15415. [PMID: 36371639 PMCID: PMC9877935 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks have dramatically changed lifestyles, with various effects on the physical and mental health of families and children with various childhood-onset neurological diseases. A questionnaire survey was conducted to identify family-specific issues and needs of patients with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) during major changes in their daily lives due to the COVID-19 outbreaks. METHODS An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 56 families that were members of the Association of Patients and Families of CIPA in Japan between October and November 2020, the first 2 months of the third outbreak. RESULTS Thirty-eight families (67.2% response rate) responded to the questionnaire. The current concerns of the parents were (1) difficulty in predicting the future (19 parents, 50%), (2) household and work concerns (eight parents, 21.1%), and (3) whether they would become infected (25 parents, 65.8%). Fifteen families indicated stress due to increased time together (stress + group), and 10 families had a better understanding of each other due to increased time together. New sleep disturbances and behavioral changes were observed in approximately 20% and 50% of patients with CIPA, respectively. No single factor could explain family stress. There were also free descriptions of the importance of peer support, connections with experts, and prompt responses for resolution. CONCLUSIONS Each family has its own way of coping with multiple factors that contribute to the stress of the patient and family. A long-established resilience to the disease proved effective during this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kubota
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimada Ryoiku Medical Center for Challenged Children, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Neurology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Haga
- Rehabilitation Services Bureau, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
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Mecarelli O, Di Gennaro G, Vigevano F. Unmet needs and perspectives in management of drug resistant focal epilepsy: An Italian study. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 137:108950. [PMID: 36347069 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the consensus level between a representative group of Italian neurologists and people with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE) regarding a series of statements about different aspects involved in the management of epilepsy to identify the unmet needs of the People with Epilepsy (PwE) and the future perspectives for the management of this disease. This observational study was conducted using a classic Delphi technique. A 19-statement questionnaire was administered anonymously through an online platform to a panel of expert clinicians and a panel of PwE, analyzing three main topics of interest: drug resistance, access to care, and PwE's experience. The consensus was achieved on 8 of the 19 statements administered to the panel of medical experts and on 4 of the 14 submitted to the panel of PwE, particularly on the definition of DRE and its consequences on treatment, Quality of Life (QoL), and autonomy of PwE. Most of the items, however, did not reach a consensus and highlighted the lack of a shared univocal view on some topics, such as accessibility to care throughout the country and the role of emerging tools such as telemedicine, narrative medicine, and digital devices. In many cases, the two panels expressed different views on the statements. The results outlined many fields of possible intervention, such as the need for educational initiatives targeted at physicians and PwE - for example, regarding telemedicine, digital devices, and narrative medicine - as well as the spread of better knowledge about epilepsy among the general population, in order to reduce epilepsy stigma. Institutions, moreover, could take a cue from this survey to develop facilities aimed at enhancing PwE's autonomy and promoting more equal access to care throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriano Mecarelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome and Past President of LICE, Italian League Against Epilepsy, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Federico Vigevano
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
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Southgate G, Yassaee AA, Harmer MJ, Livesey H, Pryde K, Roland D. Use of Telemedicine in Pediatric Services for 4 Representative Clinical Conditions: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38267. [DOI: 10.2196/38267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Telemedicine is becoming routine in health care. Postpandemic, a universal return to face-to-face consultations may risk a loss of some of the advantages of telemedicine. However, rapid implementation and adoption without robust evaluation of usability, efficacy, and effectiveness could potentially lead to suboptimal health outcomes and downstream challenges to providers.
Objective
This review assesses telemedicine interventions against international guidance and sufficiency of evidence to support postpandemic utilization in pediatric settings.
Methods
This scoping review was performed following searches on PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases on April 15, 2021, and May 31, 2022, and examined studies focused on telemedicine, remote consultation, video call, or remote patient monitoring in children (0-18 years) receiving outpatient care for diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, or renal disease. Exclusion criteria included studies published before 2011 as the technologies used have likely been improved or replaced, studies in adult populations or where it was not possible to disaggregate data for participants younger than 18 years as the focus of the review was on pediatric care, and studies not published in English. Data were extracted by 4 authors, and the data were corroborated by a second reviewer. Studies were examined for feasibility and usability, clinical and process outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.
Results
Of the 3158 studies identified, 56 were suitable for final inclusion and analysis. Data on feasibility or usability of interventions (48 studies) were overwhelmingly positive in support of telemedicine interventions, with common themes including convenience, perceived cost savings, and ease of use. However, use in preference to usual care was rarely explored. Clinical and process outcome data (31 studies) were mostly positive. Across all studies, there was limited measurement of standardized clinical outcomes, although these were more commonly reported in asthma (peak flow) and diabetes (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]). Implementation science data generally supported cost-effectiveness of telemedicine with a reduction of health care costs.
Conclusions
There is promising evidence supporting telemedicine in pediatric settings. However, there is a lack of evaluation of telemedicine in comparison with usual outpatient care for noninferiority of clinical outcomes, and this review highlights the need for a more standardized approach to evaluation of digital interventions.
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Long-term analysis of the effects of COVID-19 in people with epilepsy: Results from a multicenter on-line survey across the pandemic waves. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 135:108900. [PMID: 36115083 PMCID: PMC9404228 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The worldwide pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus posed many challenges to the scientific and medical communities, including the protection and management of fragile populations. People with epilepsy (PWE) are a heterogenous group of subjects, with different treatment regimens and severity of symptoms. During the National lockdown, in Italy many patients with chronic conditions lost their regular follow-up program. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on their health status, from the start of the pandemic (March 2020) to July 2021 and one year later. METHODS We proposed an online questionnaire to subjects followed up at different epilepsy centers located in Milano, Monza & Lodi, three of Lombardy, Northern Italy, the most affected areas by the pandemic. Survey evaluated age, sex, characteristics of patients, type of epilepsy and therapies, COVID-19 diagnosis, vaccines, sleep quality, and anxiety status. RESULTS Among 178 analyzed surveys, 37 individuals reported symptoms of COVID-19 in closed contacts, including 9 with molecular diagnosis and 16 PWE performing the nasopharyngeal swab with 3 positive cases. One year later, 35 individuals reported at least one symptom overlapping with those typical of COVID-19, 8 received COVID-19 diagnosis, among which 6 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to the sleep quality scale assessment, most PWE (52.3%) had poor sleep quality. Assessing anxiety status, 32 (38.1%) had a pathological score. CONCLUSION In this multicenter study, we observed that PWE do not appear to be at a higher risk of severe COVID-19. It will be fundamental monitoring this group to assess possible differences in long-COVID-19 and/or neuro-COVID-19 prevalence. On the other hand, our survey confirmed the impact of the pandemic on anxiety and quality of sleep in PWE. Thus, it is important to promptly recognize and treat psychological distress in PWE, because it could be a risk factor in seizure aggravation and quality-of-life deterioration. Telemedicine appears to be a useful tool to support patients with chronic diseases, such as epilepsy.
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Lavin B, Gray CL, Brodie M. Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care. Neurol Clin 2022; 40:717-727. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Kuroda N, Gajera PK, Yu H, Kubota T. Seizure Control in Patients with Epilepsy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Intern Med 2022; 61:2287-2293. [PMID: 35650127 PMCID: PMC9424088 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9321-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate seizure control in patients with epilepsy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, and the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies. Studies that reported seizure control in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of patients with epilepsy who experienced seizure worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed using a random-effects model. The quality of the assessment for each study, heterogeneity between the studies, and publication bias were also evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed, excluding studies with reports of seizures worsening from caregivers. Results A total of 24 studies with 6,492 patients/caregivers were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of seizure worsening was 18.5% (95% CI: 13.9-23.6; I2=96%; p<0.01). The pooled proportion of seizure worsening in the subgroup analysis was 18.9% (95% CI: 13.5-25.0; I2=96%; p<0.01). Conclusion Although the heterogeneity was high, our results showed a relatively high incidence of seizure worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians should be aware of the likelihood of worsening seizures in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, USA
- Department of Epileptology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | - Hongxuyang Yu
- Department of Neurology, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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Loss of Continuity of Care in Pediatric Neurology Services during COVID-19 Lockdown: An Additional Stressor for Parents. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060867. [PMID: 35740804 PMCID: PMC9222060 DOI: 10.3390/children9060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. This study aimed to investigate the consequence of the COVID 19-related lockdown on the well-being of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders and the repercussion on parental stress during the period 9 March 2020–3 May 2020. Methods. A web-based survey was shared via mail with the parents of children affected by chronic neurologic disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders in the continuity of care in two Italian tertiary centers, independently by the severity of the diseases and the required frequency of controls. For each patient, they were asked to identify a single main caregiver, among the two parents, to fill in the questionnaire. Parental stress was measured via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The differences between the clinical groups were performed with one way ANOVA. The dimensional effect of the clinical variables on outcome was evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. Results. The survey was completed by 250 parents (response rate = 48.9 %). Sars-Cov2 infection was reported in two patients only. A total of 44.2% of the patients had completely interrupted school activities while 70% of parents underwent changes in their job modalities. Health care services were disrupted in 77% of patients. Higher PSS scores were detected in the parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (p = 0.035). Conclusions. The loss of continuity of care during the lockdown must be considered as a risk factor for parents caring for children with chronic neurologic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in further phases of the current pandemic.
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Linehan C, Birkbeck G, Araten-Bergman T, Baumbusch J, Beadle-Brown J, Bigby C, Bradley V, Brown M, Bredewold F, Chirwa M, Cui J, Godoy Gimenez M, Gomeiro T, Kanova Š, Kroll T, Li H, MacLachlan M, Narayan J, Nearchou F, Nolan A, O'Donovan MA, Santos FH, Šiška J, Stainton T, Tideman M, Tossebro J. COVID-19 IDD: Findings from a global survey exploring family members' and paid staff's perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their caregivers. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:27. [PMID: 35615436 PMCID: PMC9111363 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13497.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A growing body of evidence attests to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during the pandemic. This study asked caregivers about their perceptions of how COVID-19 impacted them and the people they support. Method: An online survey was conducted in 12 countries during August-September 2020 and sought information on demographics, support practices, information and training, experiences of COVID-19, social distancing, and wellbeing, as measured by the DASS12. This study reports on 3,754 family members, direct support professionals, and managers who participated in the survey. Results: Caregivers observed increases in depression/anxiety, stereotyped behaviours, aggression towards others and weight gain in the person(s) they supported. They also reported difficulties supporting the person(s) to access healthcare. Families reported reducing or ceasing employment and absorbed additional costs when supporting their family member. Direct support professionals experienced changes in staff shifts, staff absences, increased workload and hiring of casual staff. Caregivers' wellbeing revealed high levels of stress, depression, and less so anxiety. The strongest predictor of wellbeing among families was observation of changes in mood in the person(s) they supported, while for direct support professionals, the strongest predictors of wellbeing were reorganisation of staff shifts and increases in new direct support staff. Discussion: Findings support the contention of this population experiencing a disproportionate burden during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting historical inequities in access to healthcare and other human rights violations which are now protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Linehan
- UCD Centre for Disability Studies, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Gail Birkbeck
- UCD Centre for Disability Studies, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Business Information Systems, O'Rahilly Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Tal Araten-Bergman
- Living with Disability Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services & Sport,, La Trobe University, Bundoora Vic 3086, Australia
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, University of British Columbia, 2080 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | | | - Christine Bigby
- Living with Disability Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services & Sport,, La Trobe University, Bundoora Vic 3086, Australia
| | - Valerie Bradley
- Human Services Research Institute, 2336 Massachusetts Ave,, Cambridge, MA, MA 02140, USA
| | - Michael Brown
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Femmianne Bredewold
- University of Humanistic Studies, Kromme Nieuwegracht 29, Utrecht, 3512 HD, The Netherlands
| | - Masauso Chirwa
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Social Work & Sociology, University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O.Box 32379, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
| | - Jialiang Cui
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Marta Godoy Gimenez
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, La Canada de San Urbano, Almeria, 04120, Spain
| | - Tiziano Gomeiro
- ANFFAS Trentino Onlus DAD© project group, Trento, Trentino, 38121, Italy
| | - Šárka Kanova
- Department of Education, University of West Bohemia, Plzeň 3, 301 00, Czech Republic
| | - Thilo Kroll
- UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Henan Li
- Human Services Research Institute, 2336 Massachusetts Ave,, Cambridge, MA, MA 02140, USA
| | - Mac MacLachlan
- School of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Jayanthi Narayan
- Inclusive Education at Faculty of Health, Education and Society, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Finiki Nearchou
- UCD School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adam Nolan
- UCD Centre for Disability Studies, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Mary-Ann O'Donovan
- Centre for Disability Studies, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health,, University of Sydney, Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Flavia H Santos
- UCD School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Šiška
- Department of Special Education,, Charles University, Praha 1, 116 39, Czech Republic
| | - Tim Stainton
- Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, University of British Columbia, 2080 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Magnus Tideman
- Department of Social Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University, Sköndal, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Jan Tossebro
- Department of Social Work, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Anuszkiewicz K, Stogowski P, Zawadzka M, Waszak P, Sokolewicz E, Dułak NA, Dzwilewski K, Jażdżewska K, Karbowiak K, Karlińska D, Marczak A, Niebrzydowska A, Niebrzydowski B, Pasierbska E, Sadowska A, Szczęsna M, Stanisław Szczęsny P, Szerszenowicz A, Sztramski K, Radziwon J, Tkaczuk M, Ziołkowska K, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M. COVID-19 pandemic influence on epilepsy course in pediatric patients. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 129:108581. [PMID: 35203013 PMCID: PMC8784425 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2020, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared as a global pandemic. Self-reported stress, anxiety, and insomnia, which are believed to be common triggers for epilepsy, are more likely to occur. We aimed to establish the influence of COVID-19 pandemic itself on changes in the daily life routine related to pandemic on epilepsy course in pediatric patients. The unique form of clinical care which is telemedicine was also taken into consideration. We wanted to evaluate patients' satisfaction with telemedicine and if changing stationary visits into telemedicine influenced epilepsy course in our patients. METHODS Patients, who attended developmental neurology outpatient clinic in the period March-December 2020 were collected. As patients were minors, legal guardians were asked to fill out the questionnaire. Patients were divided according to the outcome into three groups: those with a worsened, stable, or improved course of epilepsy during the pandemic. Appropriate statistical tests for two-group and multi-group comparisons have been implemented. Post hoc p values were also calculated. RESULTS Four hundred and two questionnaires were collected. Most of the patients had a stable course of epilepsy during the pandemic; in 13% of participants an improvement has been observed, worsening of the disease was seen in 16% of patients. Age, sex, type of epilepsy, number of seizure incidents before pandemic, and duration of the disease had no statistically significant connection with changes in the course of the disease. Behavioral changes and altered sleep patterns were found to be more common in the worsened group. Fifty-eight percent of patients were satisfied with telemedicine. Poorer satisfaction was connected with less frequent visits, cancellation of scheduled appointments, and lack of help in case of need in an emergency situation. CONCLUSION Epilepsy course in pediatric patients seems to be stable during COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep disturbances and changes in a child's behavior may be related to increase in seizure frequency. Telemedicine is an effective tool for supervising children with epilepsy. Patients should be informed about possible ways of getting help in urgent cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Anuszkiewicz
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Piotr Stogowski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Zawadzka
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Przemysław Waszak
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Sokolewicz
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Natalia Aleksandra Dułak
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kamil Dzwilewski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Jażdżewska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kamila Karbowiak
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Daria Karlińska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Marczak
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Niebrzydowska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bartosz Niebrzydowski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Pasierbska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sadowska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Szczęsna
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Stanisław Szczęsny
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Szerszenowicz
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kamil Sztramski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Radziwon
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Tkaczuk
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kinga Ziołkowska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
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Andraus M, Thorpe J, Tai XY, Ashby S, Hallab A, Ding D, Dugan P, Perucca P, Costello D, French JA, O'Brien TJ, Depondt C, Andrade DM, Sengupta R, Delanty N, Jette N, Newton CR, Brodie MJ, Devinsky O, Helen Cross J, Li LM, Silvado C, Moura L, Cosenza H, Messina JP, Hanna J, Sander JW, Sen A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy: Findings from the Brazilian arm of the COV-E study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 123:108261. [PMID: 34481281 PMCID: PMC8457887 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on people and healthcare services. The disruption to chronic illnesses, such as epilepsy, may relate to several factors ranging from direct infection to secondary effects from healthcare reorganization and social distancing measures. OBJECTIVES As part of the COVID-19 and Epilepsy (COV-E) global study, we ascertained the effects of COVID-19 on people with epilepsy in Brazil, based on their perspectives and those of their caregivers. We also evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the care delivered to people with epilepsy by healthcare workers. METHODS We designed separate online surveys for people with epilepsy and their caregivers. A further survey for healthcare workers contained additional assessments of changes to working patterns, productivity, and concerns for those with epilepsy under their care. The Brazilian arm of COV-E initially collected data from May to November 2020 during the country's first wave. We also examined national data to identify the Brazilian states with the highest COVID-19 incidence and related mortality. Lastly, we applied this geographic grouping to our data to explore whether local disease burden played a direct role in difficulties faced by people with epilepsy. RESULTS Two hundred and forty-one people returned the survey, 20% were individuals with epilepsy (n = 48); 22% were caregivers (n = 53), and 58% were healthcare workers (n = 140). Just under half (43%) of people with epilepsy reported health changes during the pandemic, including worsening seizure control, with specific issues related to stress and impaired mental health. Of respondents prescribed antiseizure medication, 11% reported difficulty taking medication on time due to problems acquiring prescriptions and delayed or canceled medical appointments. Only a small proportion of respondents reported discussing significant epilepsy-related risks in the previous 12 months. Analysis of national COVID-19 data showed a higher disease burden in the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro compared to Brazil as a whole. There were, however, no geographic differences observed in survey responses despite variability in the incidence of COVID-19. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that Brazilians with epilepsy have been adversely affected by COVID-19 by factors beyond infection or mortality. Mental health issues and the importance of optimal communication are critical during these difficult times. Healthcare services need to find nuanced approaches and learn from shared international experiences to provide optimal care for people with epilepsy as the direct burden of COVID-19 improves in some countries. In contrast, others face resurgent waves of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Andraus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Service, Epilepsy Program, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Thorpe
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; SUDEP Action, 18 Newbury Street, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8DA, UK
| | - Xin You Tai
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Samantha Ashby
- SUDEP Action, 18 Newbury Street, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8DA, UK
| | - Asma Hallab
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Neurology, Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Patricia Dugan
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia & Departments of Medicine and Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Costello
- Epilepsy Service, Cork University Hospital & College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia & Departments of Medicine and Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chantal Depondt
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Erasme - Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Danielle M Andrade
- Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Norman Delanty
- Beaumont Hospital, and School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Charles R Newton
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Martin J Brodie
- Epilepsy Unit, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital-Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - J Helen Cross
- UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Young Epilepsy, St Pier's Lane, Dormansland, Lingfield RH7 6P, UK
| | - Li M Li
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Department of Neurology of School of Medical Sciences, Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Silvado
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Program - EEG - Epilepsy Unit - Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Luis Moura
- Production Engineering Program, Fuzzy Logic Laboratory - Labfuzzy, Coordination of Post Graduate Engineering Programs - COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Harvey Cosenza
- Production Engineering Program, Fuzzy Logic Laboratory - Labfuzzy, Coordination of Post Graduate Engineering Programs - COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Engineering - REG, Science and Technology Institute - ICT, Fluminense Federal University - UFF, Campus Rio das Ostras, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jane P Messina
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, UK; Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane Hanna
- SUDEP Action, 18 Newbury Street, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8DA, UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG & Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Arjune Sen
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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Wray J, Pagel C, Chester AH, Kennedy F, Crowe S. What was the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on the delivery of care to children and adults with congenital heart disease? A qualitative study using online forums. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049006. [PMID: 34593493 PMCID: PMC8487016 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Globally, healthcare systems have been stretched to the limit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant changes have had to be made to the way in which non-COVID-19-related care has been delivered. Our objective was to understand, from the perspective of patients with a chronic, life-long condition (congenital heart disease, CHD) and their parents/carers, the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of care, how changes were communicated and whether healthcare providers should do anything differently in a subsequent wave of COVID-19 infections. DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative study involving a series of asynchronous discussion forums set up and moderated by three patient charities via their Facebook pages. PARTICIPANTS Patients with CHD and parents/carers of patients with CHD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Qualitative responses to questions posted on the discussion forums. RESULTS The forums ran over a 6-week period and involved 109 participants. Following thematic analysis, we identified three themes and 10 subthemes related to individual condition-related factors, patient-related factors and health professional/centre factors that may have influenced how patients and parents/carers experienced changes to service delivery as a result of COVID-19. Specifically, respondents reported high levels of disruption to the delivery of care, inconsistent advice and messaging and variable communication from health professionals, with examples of both excellent and very poor experiences of care reported. Uncertainty about follow-up and factors related to the complexity and stability of their condition contributed to anxiety and stress. CONCLUSIONS The importance of clear, consistent communication cannot be over-estimated. Our findings, while collected in relation to patients with CHD, are not necessarily specific to this population and we believe that they reflect the experiences of many thousands of people with life-long conditions in the UK. Recommendations related to communication, service delivery and support during the pandemic may improve patients' experience of care and, potentially, their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Wray
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Research Department of Children's Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christina Pagel
- Clinical Operational Research Unit, Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adrian H Chester
- Heart Valve Research Group, The Magdi Yacoub Institute, Heart Science Centre, Harefield, UK
- Myocardial Function, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Kennedy
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease Department, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sonya Crowe
- Clinical Operational Research Unit, Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, UK
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Kuroda N, Kubota T. Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 124:108340. [PMID: 34600283 PMCID: PMC9760102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate psychological comorbidities in patients with epilepsy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD A systematic review and meta-analysis approach was used to comprehensively search MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for relevant studies. Studies that reported psychological stress in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Psychological comorbidities were defined as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. Pooled proportions of psychological comorbidities with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed using a random-effects model. The quality of assessment for each study, heterogeneity between the studies, and publication bias were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 28 studies with 7959 patients/caregivers were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportions of anxiety/worry, depression/bad mood, and sleep disturbance were 38.9% (95% CI: 31.3-46.7); I2 = 97%; p < 0.01, 30.9% (95% CI: 23.3-38.9), I2 = 97%; p < 0.01, and 36.5% (95% CI: 28.3-45.1), I2 = 97%, p < 0.01, respectively. CONCLUSION Although the heterogeneity was high, our results showed a relatively high incidence of psychological comorbidities. Therefore, clinicians need to intervene early in the stress of patients with epilepsy to prevent worsening of stress, which can result in seizure worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Epileptology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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21
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Alimohammadi E, Eden SV, Anand SK, Ahadi P, Bostani A, Bagheri SR. The impact of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on neurosurgical practice and training: a review article. Br J Neurosurg 2021; 36:569-573. [PMID: 33612023 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2021.1888874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected all of society at different levels. Similarly, COVID-19 has significantly impacted every medical field, including neurosurgery. By exposing scarcities in the healthcare industry and requiring the reallocation of available resources towards the priority setting and away from elective surgeries and outpatient visits, the pandemic posed new, unprecedented challenges to the medical community. Despite the redistribution of resources towards COVID-19 patients and away from elective surgeries, urgent and emergent surgeries for life-threatening conditions needed to be continued. The neurosurgical community, like other specialties not directly involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, initially struggled to balance the needs of COVID-19 patients with those of neurosurgical patients, residents, and researchers. Several articles describing the effect of COVID-19 on neurosurgical practice and training have been published throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to provide a focused review of the impact COVID-19 has had on neurosurgical practice and training as well as describe neurological manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Alimohammadi
- Neurosurgery, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sonia V Eden
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Paniz Ahadi
- Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Arash Bostani
- Neurology, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Bagheri
- Neurosurgery, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Cunningham NR, Ely SL, Barber Garcia BN, Bowden J. Addressing Pediatric Mental Health Using Telehealth During Coronavirus Disease-2019 and Beyond: A Narrative Review. Acad Pediatr 2021; 21:1108-1117. [PMID: 34118499 PMCID: PMC8413840 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pediatrician serves as a frontline provider addressing patients' medical and mental health needs, yet coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is reshaping the way physicians deliver care. Pediatricians are increasingly faced with the challenge of delivering care, including mental health care, remotely. Given the rapidly evolving literature, we performed a narrative review of the use of telehealth for mental health care for pediatric populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas of focus included 1) pediatric primary care settings, 2) special pediatric populations (eg, eating disorders, autism), 3) access and engagement in telehealth care, and 4) training opportunities available for mental health providers. Themes that emerged across studies included the importance of meeting patients' needs (eg, access to technological resources) to optimize success in using telehealth tools and challenges around provider access to support tools for use during telehealth. Thus, we provided a summary of evidence-based tools (including COVID-19 specific resources) for improving the remote delivery of mental health care by pediatricians. We also reviewed future directions including trials currently underway to enhance understanding of future telehealth applications for pediatric mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natoshia R. Cunningham
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University (NR Cunningham and SL Ely), Grand Rapids, Mich,Address correspondence to Natoshia R. Cunningham, PhD, Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, 15 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Samantha L. Ely
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University (NR Cunningham and SL Ely), Grand Rapids, Mich
| | - Brittany N. Barber Garcia
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University (BNB Garcia and J Bowden), Grand Rapids, Mich,Spectrum Health, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (BN Barber Garcia and J Bowden), Grand Rapids, Mich
| | - Jennifer Bowden
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University (BNB Garcia and J Bowden), Grand Rapids, Mich,Spectrum Health, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (BN Barber Garcia and J Bowden), Grand Rapids, Mich
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Children and Adolescents with Disabilities and Exposure to Disasters, Terrorism, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Scoping Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:80. [PMID: 34643813 PMCID: PMC8511280 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper reviews the empirical literature on exposures to disaster or terrorism and their impacts on the health and well-being of children with disabilities and their families since the last published update in 2017. We also review the literature on studies examining the mental health and functioning of children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS Few studies have examined the effects of disaster or terrorism on children with disabilities. Research shows that children with disabilities and their families have higher levels of disaster exposure, lower levels of disaster preparedness, and less recovery support due to longstanding discriminatory practices. Similarly, many reports of the COVID-19 pandemic have documented its negative and disproportionate impacts on children with disabilities and their families. In the setting of climate change, environmental disasters are expected to increase in frequency and severity. Future studies identifying mitigating factors to disasters, including COVID-19; increasing preparedness on an individual, community, and global level; and evaluating post-disaster trauma-informed treatment practices are imperative to support the health and well-being of children with disabilities and their families.
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