Elsevier

Journal of Pediatric Health Care

Volume 36, Issue 4, July–August 2022, Pages 321-329
Journal of Pediatric Health Care

Article
Exploring the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Children and Families Cared for by Pediatric-Focused Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.01.003Get rights and content

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected children and families. The study purpose was to better understand the perceptions of pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses (P-APRNs) on the impact of COVID-19 on patients and practice.

Method

A 25-item electronic survey including Likert scales, multiple choice , and open-ended questions was sent by e-mail to electronic mailing list of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Results

Responses (N = 109) reflect the magnitude of challenges affecting child physical health, mental health, parental stress, and social determinants of health. P-APRNs expect greater refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine compared with other vaccines. Telehealth use continues at an increased rate and greater resources are needed to support clinical practice.

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the lives of children, families, and P-APRN practice. These findings reflect challenges and opportunities moving forward. P-APRNs are well-prepared to lead change to support better and more equitable outcomes for all.

Section snippets

INTRODUCTION

Significant changes have occurred globally because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. People have experienced dramatic shifts in the way that they work, carry out everyday activities, and interact with others. For children, changes have occurred in the way that school and peer interactions occur and in the way they access health care. Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses (P-APRNs) play a significant role in the provision of health care services for children

Sample and Setting

A descriptive survey design with a convenience sample was used. The survey was distributed electronically to members of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) by e-mail through their membership electronic mailing list. At the time of writing, NAPNAP reported having greater than 8,200 members. All members are included in the NAPNAP member electronic mailing list database unless explicitly opting out of e-mail communication from the organization. Individuals eligible

RESULTS

Characteristics of the responding P-APRNs are provided in Table 1. A total of 109 individuals completed the survey with different numbers of P-APRNs replying to each question. The percentages for each category were based on the number of valid replies to the question. The P-APRNs had an average of more than 16 years of experience (mean = 16.7, standard deviation = 11.9, range 1–48 years). The most common academic degree for these P-APRNs was a master's degree in nursing for 72.7%, and most

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study are consistent with recently published studies in the literature that examined the effects of COVID-19 on children and families (Patrick et al., 2020; Peck & Sonney, 2021; Racine et al., 2021; Russell et al., 2020; Santoli et al., 2020). A unique contribution of this study is that it collectively examined the multifaceted, inter-related effects of the pandemic on the health and well-being of children and families through the lens of care provided by P-APRNs. It is

Conclusions

This study collectively reflects the depth of challenges faced by children, families, and P-APRNs owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data presented the scope of these challenges through the lens of care provided by P-APRNs. These challenges present unique opportunities for P-APRNs to contribute to improved outcomes for patients, families, and systems. P-APRNs are well prepared to lead change in clinical care, research and translational science, innovation, and advocacy to support better and

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  • Conflicts of interest: None to report.

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