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Articles

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2023)

Caring for Children and Youth with Complex Care Needs During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A New Brunswick Perspective

Submitted
April 25, 2023
Published
2023-06-12

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to health and social care across Canada. These disruptions may have a disproportionate impact on people caring for children and youth with complex care needs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of caregivers and care providers of children and youth with complex care needs in New Brunswick during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty-five caregivers and seven care providers were recruited for the study. They completed an online survey that included open-ended questions about their experiences caring for children and youth with complex care needs during the pandemic. The most common themes identified in the data were: (1) a loss of support for caregivers and their children/youth; (2) a negative impact on the mental health of caregivers and their children/youth; and (3) struggles to balance safety and quality of care. These results provide stakeholders involved in the care of children and youth requiring complex care with information and recommendations to improve the delivery of care during periods of strain on the healthcare system.