Coronavirus infection and nursing care for children and adolescents with cancer

Abstract

Objective: Reflect on the implications of COVID-19 for the nursing care of pediatric oncology patients. Methods: Theoretical and reflective essay, based on recent scientific publications and expert recommendations on the care of pediatric patients under cancer treatment in the context of the current pandemic. Results: Reflected on the involvement of the pediatric population in general by COVID-19, the vulnerability of pediatric oncology patients to the complications of the disease and the likely challenges for their care. The pandemic demanded a rapid adaptation of health services in terms of patient care flow, care protocols, infection prevention measures, and redefinition of cancer therapy, with repercussions for professionals, patients, and their families. Final considerations: It is not yet known how often or how severely children with cancer have been affected by COVID-19, but therapeutic and care adaptations for the maintenance of these patients’ treatment in the pandemic context are noted.

Need to reduce anxiety and obtain individualised information are considered the main supportive components of parents/caregivers of children with cancer through the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

“…The concept of care by nurses takes centre stage when there is no precise therapy for a health crisis 3. Family-centred care is advocated as a way for nurses to better handle the needs of children and families during the COVID-19 epidemic by taking into account factors including allowing communication, advocating with empathy, responding with flexibility and balancing competing considerations 4.…”