Masks, Empathy, and a Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis During COVID-19

In March 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was starting to take hold across the United States, turning routine patient care into potentially life-threatening encounters between patients and health care providers. Hospitals quickly enacted policies limiting visitors and requiring social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) on all personnel. Although such interventions are necessary to promote safety, the impact on traditional means of communication and empathy are significant. This narrative describes the impact of early pandemic fears and associated policies on the interaction between a parent and provider in the setting of a new pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Source: PEDIATRICS - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research