LOSS OF CONTINUITY OF CARE IN PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY SERVICES DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: AN ADDITIONAL STRESSOR FOR PARENTS

Objective: COVID 19-related lockdown during the so called "first wave" of the current pandemics had a deep impact on the health and the care of children with chronic neurologic disease and neurodevelopmental disorders. This work aimed to investigate its consequence on the wellbeing of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders and the repercussion on parental stress. Methods: A web-based survey was shared via mail with the parents of children affected by chronic neurologic disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders in continuity of care in two Italian tertiary centers(june-july 2020). Parental stress was measured via Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: The survey was completed by 250 parents. Sars-Cov2 infection was reported in 2 patients only. 44,2% of the sample completely interrupted school activities while 70% of parents underwent changes in their job modalities. Health care services were disrupted in 77% of patients and higher PSS scores were detected in parents who reported a significant loss of usual clinical checks. Conclusions: The loss of continuity of care during the lockdown has to be considered as a risk factor for parents caring for children with chronic neurologic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorder in furthers phases of the current pandemics.