ABSTRACT
Background Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS-TS) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting children and young people (CYP) weeks after infection with the COVID-19 virus. The aim of this study was to understand the potential psychological needs of these families. Methods PIMS-TS patients and their parents admitted to the hospital between April 2020 and May 2021 were reviewed by a psychologist 6-8 weeks post discharge as part of their clinical care. Young people over the age of 7 were asked to complete 2 measures for psychological distress and PTSD symptoms (CRIES-13 and PIED) and their parent/carer completed a measure of PTSD symptoms (IES-R). Ethical approval was not required for this study. Results 118 CYP and parents/carers who were admitted to GOSH were screened 6-8 weeks post discharge. 85 of the 118 CYP were aged 8 or over. 76.8% (n=91) of parents/carers completed the IES-R 78% (n=66) of CYPs completed the PIED and CRIES. 15% (n=10) of CYPs scores on the PIED suggested they were at risk of anxiety and depression. 24% (n=16) of CYPs reported clinically significant difficulties for PTSD on the CRIES-13 placing them in high probability of for a diagnosis of PTSD. 35% of parents/carers met the threshold for clinical concern on IES-R with 23% (n=21) scoring in the range for a likely diagnosis of PTSD. Discussion The findings of both the self-report screening questionnaires, indicate that significant number for CYP and their parent/carers are at risk of developing symptoms of psychological distress and trauma in 6-8 week period post discharge after PIMS-TS admission. Conclusion The result of this study clearly show identification of high levels of trauma and emotional distress for the CYP and their parents and carers and a potential need for ongoing psychological support to be provided as part of ongoing care.
ABSTRACT
Background Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally Associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-Ts) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting children and young people (CYP). Many CYP report behavioural/mood changes concentration difficulties and increased isolation which for some occurred following an admission to intensive care. This workshop aimed to reduce CYPs' experiences of isolation using a strength-based Narrative Therapy group approach. Methods The workshop was co-facilitated by a photography artist psychologists and ID clinical team in local gallery to create a safe therapeutic space. The workshop involved activities to allow CYP to explore their identity through the use of photography and to enable them to share their stories of their PIMS-TS experiences with their peers. The participants completed pre and post outcome evaluation measures and a free text feedback form. Two weeks following the workshop parents/carers and CYP were contacted to participate in a semi structured interview to evaluate the impact of the workshop on CYP relationship to their health condition and hospital experience. Results The workshop was attended by 9 CYP (aged 8-11 years). Participants indicated that the workshop had led to increased comfort and confidence in talking about their health condition and that they had appreciated the opportunity to meet other CYP. Discussion Feedback suggests that an arts-based workshop was an effective peer support-based psychological intervention. Conclusion These findings suggest that there are psychological benefits to narrative therapy-based arts group for CYP post discharge to share and reflect on their health and hospital experiences with those who have lived through similar experiences. Given that treatment protocols are still being refined for PIMS-TS the findings of this project suggest that CYP and families may benefit from follow-up interventions to better understand and identify their psychological needs post diagnosis.