On the clinical psychologist's role in the time of COVID‐19, with particular reference to experience gained in pediatric oncology

Abstract

Objective The COVID‐19 pandemic seems to be developing into a planetary‐scale mental health experiment, undermining the foundations of our being human, obliging us to keep physically apart from one another, and inducing us to see other people as a potential threat. Methods In the world of pediatric oncology, we have found ourselves up against new challenges. In this article, we discuss the difficulties found in conducting psychological support sessions while complying with physical distancing rules, as well as wearing protective face masks, and even gloves; or while using modern remote communication telecommunications. Results The classic reasons behind requests for psychological support have been compounded by other, novel problems, such as: fewer relational resources for families at home, less chance to socialize, hospital stays with only one parent, the suspension of all teaching and group activities on the ward, economic difficulties caused by the pandemic, the rising levels of family conflictuality and generalized anxiety. Conclusions It is essential to find new solutions that can be promptly implemented, reconfiguring the way we humanize our hospital wards.

COVID‐19 and children with cancer: Parents’ experiences, anxieties and support needs

“…The lockdown and imposed isolation by the UK government led to parents worrying about the psychological impact in terms of children missing out, feeling bored, missing family and friends, as well as worrying about a delay in social and emotional development, mirroring evidence from studies focusing on young people's mental health during the pandemic 23–25 . Parents missed their support network, even though technology is available to help them connect with others.…”

“…Parents were anxious about the unknown, and about who would look after their child if they themselves became ill (or died). Remarkably, only around one quarter of parents expressed a wish for additional support, and some described how their experience with cancer treatment has made them better prepared for 'lockdown' than those without this background.The lockdown and imposed isolation by the UK government led to parents worrying about the psychological impact in terms of children missing out, feeling bored, missing family and friends, as well as worrying about a delay in social and emotional development, mirroring evidence from studies focusing on young people's mental health during the pandemic [23][24][25]. Parents missed their support network, even though technology is available to help them connect with others.…”

COVID-19 and children with cancer: Parents' experiences, anxieties, and support needs

“…The lockdown and imposed isolation by the UK government has led to psychological impact in terms of children missing out, feeling bored, missing family and friends, and a delay in social and emotional development, mirroring evidence from studies focusing on young people's mental health during the pandemic. [23][24][25] Parents miss their support network, even though technology is available to connect with others. The designation of children as requiring 'shielding' provided particular challenges; the English Government advice described attempting to maintain complete isolation from all other people, even those living in the same household.…”

A collateral effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic: Delayed diagnosis in pediatric solid tumors

“…In the world of pediatric oncology, we have had to profoundly modify our habits regarding the management of patients and their families. We have had to focus on minimizing the risk of the virus spreading within the hospital while ensuring the best possible management of cases found positive for COVID‐19 and, above all, on assuring our children and adolescents that they will receive the oncological care they need 1‐4 . Meanwhile, during the 8‐week lockdown imposed in Italy to cope with the peak of the epidemic, we noted a reduction in the number of pediatric tumors being newly diagnosed, probably reflecting delayed access to health care services for patients with signs and symptoms suspected of being cancer‐related 1 …”