Incorporating DEI informed-frameworks and increasing access to parent-focused interventions in pediatric psychology

Objective: The ethical imperative to work with the parents, caregivers, and guardians (hereafter, parents) of pediatric patients has been highlighted. However, parents continue to be underserved in pediatric health care settings. The syndemics of COVID-19 and mental health further magnified health disparities and the differential impacts of social determinants of health on the wellbeing of those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. Therefore, dedicated efforts to developing holistic, culturally responsive, accessible, and effective interventions that meet the needs of the child and parents have never been more needed. Methods: Papers highlighting the role of pediatric psychology in working with parents while also emphasizing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and access in screening and interventions were solicited and considered for this issue. Results: This Special Issue includes 11 articles highlighting efforts to (a) support parents' unmet needs in medical subspecialty settings, (b) utilize a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) framework to develop and adapt interventions specifically designed to support these populations;and (c) improve access to behavioral health for vulnerable populations through different modes of care. This issue also includes a commentary outlining advocacy actions which can be taken by pediatric psychologists working with the families of transgender and gender diverse youth, with implications for advocating across populations. Conclusions: This issue highlights opportunities for pediatric psychologists to collectively and individually better support families and close health equity gaps through clinical and research avenues, as well as through opportunities for advocacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Implications for Impact Statement-The aim of this special issue is to further highlight the ethical imperative that exists for mental health providers in pediatric settings to address the mental health needs of parents, caregivers, and guardians, with an emphasis on diversity, access, equity, and inclusion. Pediatric psychologists can and should utilize existing skills to help all families reach their fullest potential through their involvement in research, clinical services, and advocacy efforts, with articles in this offering examples for implementation models. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The adherence process to COVID-19 precautionary measures in 55 children from Treviso interviewed during the first 10 days of lockdown set by Prime Minister Decree on 9th March 2020

We interviewed 55 children and adolescents from Treviso province to understand how they experienced their confinement at home due to public health reasons, during the first ten days of lockdown set by Prime Minister Decree on 9th March 2020. The narrative interview showed how children had a good knowledge of the main characteristics both of the pandemic and of the precautions set by law since the very early days of the confinement. The knowledge came from communications among adults or from TV programs, leaving children in a state of anguish managed mainly through individual coping strategies and seldom with the help of adults. The adherence to precautionary measures limited fear and reinforced the bond within the family, by means of the sense of belonging to the family culture and the distinction from other adults that were perceived as enemies or not allied with them. The research encourages involving children in qualitative interview about them because they are active subjects in health generation. Copyright © FrancoAngeli.

Modified Training Experiences for Psychology Interns and Fellows During COVID-19: Use of Telepsychology and Telesupervision by Child and Adolescent Training Programs.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected opportunities available to psychology interns and postdoctoral fellows completing capstone training experiences during culminating training years. While research supports COVID-19 has increased the use of telepsychology services amongst psychologists, there is a paucity of research regarding how COVID-19 has altered training and use of telepsychology by psychology trainees. The current study includes survey responses from 59 psychology training directors and 58 psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship trainees at pediatric sites throughout the United States. Results support changes in telepsychology training provided during COVID-19, including increased use of telepsychology for clinical service delivery and increased use of telesupervision for training. As expected, findings suggest novel training experiences in telepsychology for trainees within the last two years as a result of COVID-19. Given ongoing need for telepsychology services to assure access to psychological care during the pandemic and beyond, results provide support for graduate and advanced training programs to provide formal training in best-practices for utilization of telepsychology and telesupervision.

Implementation of guidelines to integrate the caregiver as a coassistant of health-care personnel during the hospital stay of COVID-19 pediatric patients: adaptation in a Mexican public pediatric hospital.

This paper describes the experience in a public pediatric hospital when implementing the Mexican Health Ministry's recommendations on the inclusion and importance of a chosen caregiver during the hospitalization of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pediatric patient. The implementation includes the adjustments, observations, and limitations made in real practice and process. In conclusion, the value and benefits of the accompaniment of hospitalized children with COVID-19 by a primary or chosen caregiver are evidenced and supported by family-centered care. Furthermore, the recommendations mentioned result in comprehensive bio-psycho-social care for the benefit of pediatric patients.