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COVID-19 and paediatric health services: A survey of paediatric physicians in Australia and New Zealand.
Foley, David A; Kirk, Michael; Jepp, Catherine; Brophy-Williams, Sam; Tong, Steven Y C; Davis, Joshua S; Blyth, Christopher C; O'Brien, Matthew P; Bowen, Asha C; Yeoh, Daniel K.
  • Foley DA; Infectious Diseases Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
  • Kirk M; Infectious Diseases Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
  • Jepp C; Infectious Diseases Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
  • Brophy-Williams S; Infectious Diseases Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
  • Tong SYC; Victorian Infectious Disease Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
  • Davis JS; University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
  • Blyth CC; Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
  • O'Brien MP; Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
  • Bowen AC; Department of Infectious Diseases, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Yeoh DK; Infectious Diseases Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
J Paediatr Child Health ; 56(8): 1219-1224, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-175866
ABSTRACT

AIMS:

COVID-19 is now a global pandemic. At the time of survey, fewer than 150 children in Australia and New Zealand had documented infection. The aim of this study was to assess attitudes, readiness and confidence in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic through an online survey of paediatric physicians and sub-specialists across Australia and New Zealand.

METHODS:

Multiple email list groups were used to contact paediatric physicians to undertake an online Likert scale survey between 17 and 24 March. Respondents' specialty, experience and work setting were recorded. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine respondent factors.

RESULTS:

There were 542 respondents from across Australia and New Zealand an estimated 11% of the paediatric physician workforce. A minority (36.6%) agreed that their national response had been well coordinated; the majority (92.7%) agreed that senior-level hospital administrators were taking the situation seriously. Most reported a good understanding of the natural history of COVID-19 in children, and knowledge of where to find local information. A large proportion of physicians (86.1%) were worried about becoming infected through their work; few (5.8%) reported that they would not come to work to avoid infection. Closure of school and childcares would reduce the ability to continue work at current capacity for 23.6% of respondents.

CONCLUSION:

Despite limited experience in pandemics, most paediatric physicians felt informed. Concern about exposure at work is common; most were willing to work regardless. The closure of schools and daycares may have an impact on staffing. Coordination and leadership will be critical.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Health Services Administration / Attitude of Health Personnel / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics / Pediatricians / Betacoronavirus Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Female / Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: J Paediatr Child Health Journal subject: Pediatrics Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jpc.14903

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Health Services Administration / Attitude of Health Personnel / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics / Pediatricians / Betacoronavirus Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Female / Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: J Paediatr Child Health Journal subject: Pediatrics Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jpc.14903