ObjectiveThere has been little formal exploration of how young people see their role in the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/settingFocus-group discussion with 15 Children’s Hospital Young People’s Forum members (23/5) to explore their perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on both their lives and those of their community, on school closures, and the role they wished to play in society’s recovery from the pandemic. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim using NVivo Software and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.OutcomeFour major themes identified: (1) Awareness of pandemic’s impact on others: participants showed mature awareness of the effects on broader society, especially the elderly, socially disadvantaged and parents. (2) Perceived impact on their own lives: principal concerns were the educational and practical repercussions of school closures and social isolation, including effects on educational prospects. (3) Views about school reopening: young people understood the broader rationale for school reopening and were generally positive about it, but expressed concerned about their safety and that of others. (4) Communication issues: a need for clear, concise, understandable information readily accessible for young people was expressed. Up to now, they felt passive recipients rather than participants.ConclusionYoung people were concerned about their future, their family and broader society, consistent with a high level of moral development. They want to be active participants in social recovery, including concepts around return to school but require appropriate information and a means by which their voices can be heard. The alternative suggested roles as pawns or pathfinders were discounted.

interactions and teaching have improved as new elements have been added to these days, and with exposure and practice in this new way of working. Recommendations The Graduate Team found interactions and reflections from learners are more readily offered up where there are a variety of ways to present these, rather than solely having to speak on camera to their teacher and peers, and would recommended incorporating these into virtual learning programmes.

interactions and teaching have improved as new elements have been added to these days, and with exposure and practice in this new way of working. Recommendations The Graduate Team found interactions and reflections from learners are more readily offered up where there are a variety of ways to present these, rather than solely having to speak on camera to their teacher and peers, and would recommended incorporating these into virtual learning programmes.

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IntroductionFor many families and some staff Religion and Spirituality (R/S) is an important aspect of a child’s critical illness. Holistic care requires adaptation too, and support of, the role of R/S on PICU. Faith-based beliefs offer additional facets to critical care, particularly difficult treatment decisions – but the role of R/S support e.g. chaplaincy is little explored. This study was conducted to determine the role of R/S for parents and staff in a UK tertiary-PICU with integrated multi-faith chaplaincy, including differences in views.MethodsQualitative interview-based study: (i) families recently discharged from PICU; (ii) PICU staff. In-depth semi-structured interviews to encourage participant narrative with prompts: Religious affiliation, changes/affirmations in faith during PICU stay; experience of hospital chaplaincy and other healthcare staff; memorable occasions where R/S played integral role (positive or negative); staff attitudes towards religion and ability to discuss topic. Interviews recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using Braun and Clark’s framework: Data immersion, followed by coding and subsequent allocation to appropriate themes.Results6 parents and 8 staff participated until saturation. Six distinct themes emerged: Themes exclusive to staff included major R/S role in parental decision making, rationalisation of ICU with faith allowing parents to try to maintain control. Parents identified religion as: a source of comfort, hope and perspective though demonstrated relative polarisation in previous faith i.e. becoming extremely religious or rejecting previous faith. The supportive role of chaplaincy was recognised by both parents and staff, but there was a discrepancy between attitudes towards miracles.ConclusionsPICU families would welcome staff training on religious and spiritual issues, whereas staff, whilst welcoming R/S support for families, are concerned about its role in critical care decision, not least in the context of miraculous interventions. The role of chaplaincy was welcomed by all, especially its integration on PICU, with no concerns about visibility.