Evaluation of The Opinions of The Pediatric Palliative Care Patients' Families Regarding The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: While many countries around the world have faced similar challenges in pediatric palliative care as COVID-19, there have also been challenges that vary from country to country. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the difficulties and opinions of families receiving pediatric palliative care in our country during the pandemic process. Materials and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional survey applied to families followed in the pediatric palliative care service between 01.12.2018 and 01.12.2020. In the study, caring parents were asked to share their experiences and opinions in the last year. Results: Of the 175 families followed, 112 were included in the study. In the first year of the pandemic, it was determined that 42% of the families had no change in their lives, 16.1% had psychological problems, 35.7% had social (quarantine and restrictions) problems and 6.3% had economic problems. When the family order and endurance of those who stated that there were significant changes in their lives in the first year of the pandemic were examined, it was found that these individuals were bored with their families and had difficulty staying at home (2.482; p=0.013). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic process in pediatric palliative care has been milder and has a better prognosis than expected. Psychosocial difficulties are the most prominent areas of distress.