Implementation of guidelines to integrate the caregiver as a coassistant of health-care personnel during the hospital stay of COVID-19 pediatric patients: adaptation in a Mexican public pediatric hospital

Abstract

This paper describes the experience in a public pediatric hospital when implementing the Mexican Health Ministry's recommendations on the inclusion and importance of a chosen caregiver during the hospitalization of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pediatric patient. The implementation includes the adjustments, observations, and limitations made in real practice and process. In conclusion, the value and benefits of the accompaniment of hospitalized children with COVID-19 by a primary or chosen caregiver are evidenced and supported by family-centered care. Furthermore, the recommendations mentioned result in comprehensive bio-psycho-social care for the benefit of pediatric patients.

Allowing access to parents/caregivers into COVID-19 hospitalization areas does not increase infections among health personnel in a pediatric hospital

“…Visitors' access to these areas was restricted from April to June 2020; which was period 1 of the study. Period 2 began in June 2020, when visits were permitted, following the protocol described by Luque-Coqui et al ( 20 ). An instruction sheet was given to the “family members of hospitalized patients, highlighting the role of the caregiver (the tasks that must be performed for nursing support and the COVID area rules), and the adherence to hygiene and safety rules” ( 20 ).…”

“…Period 2 began in June 2020, when visits were permitted, following the protocol described by Luque-Coqui et al ( 20 ). An instruction sheet was given to the “family members of hospitalized patients, highlighting the role of the caregiver (the tasks that must be performed for nursing support and the COVID area rules), and the adherence to hygiene and safety rules” ( 20 ). One visitor per patient allowed regardless of the COVID area the patient was in.…”

“…Personal and telephone follow-up was carried out with the family member in charge in order to provide psychological and emotional support tools. This same group of researchers has previously described the implementation of security measures to allow visitors to COVID areas ( 20 ).…”

Navigating the nexus: Exploring COVID-19's influence on cardiovascular risk in Pediatric population

“…In conclusion, comprehensive research on the cardiovascular risk in the pediatric population, especially among those with underlying heart conditions, is imperative for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on this vulnerable group [1,2,9,10,18,19].…”