Ethical challenges faced by healthcare workers in pediatric oncology care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This qualitative study examined ethical challenges reported by healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in a large Australian pediatric oncology center during a period of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 HCPs who provided pediatric cancer care during the pandemic in 2020, during strict lockdown periods. Interviews examined the difficulties they faced, as well as their own ethical evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 policies on oncology care. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis and thematic analysis.

Results

HCPs faced several challenges, primarily originating from hospital restrictions, which led to changes in usual clinical practices. These challenges included delivering care with personal

SUBMITTER: Marks IR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9878045 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature