True Resilience: A Look Inside COVID’s Effect on Children with Medical Complexity and Their Families

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Vulnerable children with medical complexity are silent victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, impacted by lack of resources and sick caregivers. In this article, we examine ways in which the pandemic has increased the significant difficulties already experienced by these patients and their families. Increased awareness will lead to improvement in the disparities experienced by this population and improve the ability of healthcare providers to care for them. RECENT FINDINGS: The number of children living with medical complexity is rapidly increasing. They face unique circumstances which can lead to compromise in care. This population is especially at risk for complications related to COVID, so may have a more prolonged admission with more morbidities. Children of ethnic minorities are also more impacted by severe illness and death. Finally, access to palliative care has been limited, which is a huge part in caring for these children who have life-long medical care needs. SUMMARY: Children with medical complexity have unique circumstances and the entirety of the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on this group is unknown. While the medical world has found ways to adapt, these changes can increase disparities for this population. Given the increase in number of children with medical complexity living in the USA, it is important to continue to consider the unique challenges they face in the current pandemic and improve the care delivery for both the child and his or her family.