A new study reveals the challenges families faced accessing healthcare for children with brain tumours during the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers identified five key issues, including difficulty seeing GPs face-to-face, reliance on caregivers to identify 'red flags', and restrictions limiting the number of caregivers allowed at hospital appointments. The study, led by academics in Cambridge and Lancaster, interviewed children, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to understand the impact of the pandemic on diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Ibrahim Jalloh, an adult and paediatric neurosurgeon specialising in tumours of the brain and spinal cord, said it was England's first investigation into the specific topic Lessons need to be learnt from how the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the treatment for children with brain tumours , researchers have said.
The study, led by academics in Cambridge and Lancaster, said there were five major challenges for families trying to access the healthcare system during that period. Seeing a GP face to face was more difficult and remote consultations relied on the caregiver highlighting any "red flags", the report said. Addenbrooke's Hospital consultant Ibrahim Jalloh said: "Findings from this study offer practical insights from families and stakeholders, to improve the healthcare system during future disruptions.", analysed the effects of the pandemic on the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of children and young people with brain tumours. Ten children and young people, 20 caregivers and 16 stakeholders - such as nurses and neurosurgeons - were interviewed between January 2022 and June 2023. The report authors - who included academics from Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham - said public health messages during the pandemic sometimes led to a "reluctance to seek help".The study was led by professionals from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Lancaster University The study said restrictions, which only allowed one primary caregiver to attend hospital with their child, posed challenges for families and difficulties establishing relationships with healthcare teams. Treatments were often postponed and caregivers felt they had to "stay strong" for their child but were often traumatised by their experiences, they added.Prof Rachel Isba, a consultant in paediatric public health medicine at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, hoped the study could spark improvements. "Overall, this study not only sheds light on the challenges faced by families during the pandemic but also provides suggestions for improving healthcare services to ensure a more comprehensive and effective response in times of crisis," she said.Jabs call after 70 in hospital with flu at ChristmasThe new endoscopy suite, which will be housed in a trailer, is set to be used for CT and MRI scans.Many people struggle to do the recommended amount of exercise each week. But research suggests even a small amount has powerful effects.
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