Impact of COVID Pandemic on the Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background The COVID pandemic has been raging across the world for the past 18 months and has severely impacted healthcare and resources. Children with special needs have been adversely affected by the COVID pandemic, due to lack of formal schooling, access to rehabilitation and limited physical and social activity. The aim of this online survey was to understand the effect of the pandemic on the children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Methods An online survey was conducted using a nine parts questionnaire comprising 26 questions. Survey included questions pertaining to demographic data, ambulatory status, lack of access to physiotherapy, orthotic adjustment, surgery, deterioration of function, and behaviour. A simple binary answer was sought to cover all social strata of society. Results Responses were received from 101 caregivers who participated in an online questionnaire. 25.7% had no therapy sessions, 74.2% were on therapy of which 23.7% had online sessions. The lockdown restrictions coupled with lack of rehabilitation and orthotic support led to deterioration in physical function in 54 children and worsening of deformity in 34. Changes in behavioural pattern was observed in 45 children. Conclusion The survey revealed major disruptions in the care of Children with CP. The parents reported difficulties in managing the child therapy at home. There is always a possibility that the pandemic will result in a lockdown again, and hence our approach toward physical therapy assessment and rehabilitation needs to be towards home-based and family-centred care.

The perceived impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the children with cerebral palsy: the parents’ perspective explored within the “6-F words” framework

“…Considering the children’s abilities, behavior and the motor functioning were more affected during the pandemic. In accordance with this, different authors found a decrease in the general mood [ 13 ] or an increase in irritability, aggressiveness and anger [ 9 ] and, more generally, behavioral problems [ 5 , 10 , 12 ]. This was true also for children with other disabilities [ 20 ].…”

“…This was true also for children with other disabilities [ 20 ]. Similarly, motor functioning was reported as one of the more affected areas in children with CP [ 9 , 10 , 12 ] as well as other disabilities [ 6 ].…”

“…The inability of parents to perform home exercises during the reduction of rehabilitation services had a negative impact on the physical functioning of children, as demonstrated by Bashkar [ 9 ].…”

Impacts of health care service changes implemented due to COVID‐19 on children and young people with long‐term disability: A mapping review

“…19 Two papers reported on the use of telehealth for the medical care of children and young people with CP. 7,33 The frequency of medical follow-up via telehealth ranged from 18% to 50% of samples. Online consultations were used for appointments with paediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons, and neurologists.…”

“…One study reported that 48.5% of their sample were advised about surgery before the pandemic; 28.7% could undergo surgery during the pandemic. 33 The remaining papers described the use of, or frequency of, telehealth appointments for consultations with medical professionals for children with neuromuscular disease, 34 ADHD, 35,36 and high-risk infant follow-up. 37 One paper described the use of a smartphone social media app to allow parent carers of children with congenital heart disease to access relevant information and contact a heart surgeon during the pandemic.…”