The role of psychologist in a cystic fibrosis centre during the COVID-19 pandemic – experience of a Polish paediatric centre

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has a substantial impact on the functioning of the entire society. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an additional factorinfluencing mental health during this unpredictable time. In the Warsawpaediatric CF centre, increased level of stress, anxiety and more depressivesymptoms were observed in patients with CF and their parents. Over time,more children required psychiatric consultations and some of them wereprescribed pharmacological treatment. In many families, conflicts aroseand the financial situation deteriorated. There were no formal guidelineson psychological care during a pandemic. Active participation in Europeangroups of specialists working with patients with CF, such as the ECFSEuropean Psychosocial Special Interest Group and ECFS Mental HealthWorking Group, allowed us share experiences and practices with other CFcentres and implement new ideas in our centre.Results: Different actions and interventions were undertaken bypsychologists1. Support and psychoeducation for children with CF and their families• Communication by the special internal social media forum (onlyfor members), for example newsletters and posts. Mutual supportof parents and patients,• The additional possibility of consultation by phone, e-mail oronline,• An online support group for parents moderated by a psychologistorganised at the request of the parents,• Lecture on anxiety and coping with stress at a national onlineworkshop for parents and adults with CF 2. Individual help and support for the multidisciplinary team (MDT)members3. Lectures on the impact of epidemics on mental functioning andcoping at Polish conferences for CF specialists.Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. All MDT members,including psychologists, have more knowledge and experience in caring forpatients with CF and their families. However, long-term psychologicaleffects are difficult to predict and require our attention