Frontiers in Pediatrics (Feb 2022)

Caring for Children With Medical Complexity in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic in an Ambulatory Primary Care Setting

  • Allison Driansky,
  • Allison Driansky,
  • Mariecel Pilapil,
  • Mariecel Pilapil,
  • Kristina Bianco,
  • Caren Steinway,
  • Caren Steinway,
  • Sheri Feigenbaum,
  • Sheri Feigenbaum,
  • Anna Yang,
  • Sophia Jan,
  • Sophia Jan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.813393
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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BackgroundChildren with medical complexity (CMC) have multiple chronic conditions and require a high level of coordinated healthcare. The risk of COVID-19 among CMC is unclear.ObjectivesWe aim to identify and describe the prevalence and experience of COVID-19 among CMC and their caregivers during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in the NY metropolitan area.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of children enrolled in a structured clinical program for CMC at a large urban, academic general pediatrics practice in NY.ResultsIn our patient population (n = 132), 16 patients had a known exposure with parents being the most common exposure in 37.5% (n = 6). Two patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 while the remainder of the confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases were managed as an outpatient.ConclusionsCommon sources of COVID-19 exposure were family members and home care providers. Almost all of our patients experienced interruption of medical care including missed therapies and visits.

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