Continuidade do cuidado a crianças e adolescentes com Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 durante a pandemia da Covid-19

Abstract

Children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus require specialized attention and long-term follow-up in healthcare services. The Covid-19 pandemic raised concerns for families and healthcare professionals involved in the care of these children, particularly due to the temporary suspension of physical and leisure activities, scarcity of medical supplies, and reduction in the number of in-person appointments. Objective: To analyze how the continuity of care for children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus unfolded in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic from the perspective of family caregivers and healthcare professionals. Method: This is a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach guided by the concept of continuity of care from the World Health Organization. It was carried out in a pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic in the interior of the state of São Paulo, with family caregivers and professionals from the clinic (physician, nutritionist, and nurse). Data collection was conducted through the application of a sociodemographic characterization instrument and semi-structured interviews. Participant characterization was organized into tables of absolute (n) and percentage frequency. The interviews were transcribed in full and analyzed using the inductive thematic content analysis process. Results: 21 caregivers and three healthcare professionals participated. The results of the interviews were organized around two themes: (1) Interpersonal and longitudinal (dis)continuity and (2) Managerial (dis)continuity. Final considerations: Overall, family caregivers perceived a discontinuity in interpersonal relationships, exacerbating feelings of insecurity and resulting in glycemic control loss. The lack of supplies also emerged as a factor impacting care continuity.