This project aims to ensure children continue to receive timely access to emergency healthcare throughout the duration of COVID-19. The repurposing of health system resources to tackle the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, together with an apparent reluctance by some parents to access healthcare for their children at this time, may lead to a dramatic decrease in ED attendance by paediatric patients. A delay in seeking healthcare, particularly for children with chronic complex conditions [8], may result in further deterioration in an illness and ultimately lead to hospital admissions which could be avoided with timely access to healthcare. Avoiding unnecessary admissions to hospital is critical at a time when resources in the health system are severely limited. As the pandemic unfolds, assessment of changes in ED attendance and capturing the experience of parents will provide pertinent information to help identify unmet need and to identify those at risk. This study also includes data gathering from ED clinical staff to inform the interpretation of findings
Research project's collaborators:
- Children's Health Ireland – Dr Ciara Martin
- Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin – Dr Michael Barrett
- Temple Street Children’s University Hospital – Dr Conor Hensey
- University Hospital Limerick – Prof Fergal Cummins
- University Hospital Cork – Dr Conor Deasy
