The study, titled "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Education and Social Participation in Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Switzerland," surveyed 40 participants aged 8 to 18 years. The findings highlight several key areas where the pandemic has disrupted essential services:
- Of the 22 participants receiving assistance at school, 7 reported changes due to the pandemic, with 5 experiencing a complete pause in assistance.
- Sporting activities were suspended for 10 out of 12 participants who were engaged in such activities before the lockdown.
- Leisure activities were paused for 3 out of 9 participants, and 2 activities were shifted to a virtual format.
These disruptions underscore the importance of rapidly resuming school assistance and leisure activities to prevent further setbacks in this vulnerable population. Based on the study's outcomes, here are some actionable steps that practitioners can take:
1. Advocate for Rapid Resumption of Services
Ensure that school assistance and leisure activities are resumed as quickly as possible. Collaborate with schools, sports clubs, and other organizations to facilitate a smooth transition back to regular activities.
2. Utilize Online Therapy Services
Given the potential for future disruptions, incorporating online therapy services can provide a continuous support system for children with DMD. Platforms like TinyEYE offer specialized online therapy that can be tailored to individual needs.
3. Implement Flexible Support Systems
Develop flexible support systems that can adapt to changing circumstances. This could include hybrid models of in-person and online assistance, ensuring that children continue to receive the support they need regardless of external factors.
4. Conduct Further Research
Encourage further research to better understand the long-term impacts of the pandemic on children with DMD. This will help in developing more effective strategies for mitigating any negative effects and improving overall outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Education and Social Participation in Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Switzerland.
