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KMID : 0365220230600010009
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Korean Journal of Public Health
2023 Volume.60 No. 1 p.9 ~ p.19
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The impact on healthcare services for children with developmental delays and their caregivers during COVID-19
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Park Beom-Keun
Rhyu Eun-Ji
Lee Kyo-Eun
Lee Sou-Hyun
Lee Hyang-Woo
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Abstract
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Objectives: This study aims to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare services and parental experiences of children with developmental delays. In addition, it proposes political strategies to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for the medically marginalized population in future social crises
Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods research design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The former analyzed the changes in healthcare services before and after the COVID-19 outbreak from 2017 to 2021. The data used for the analysis consisted of a total of 242,192 records obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment service (HIRA). The latter involved conducting individual focused interviews with parents or grandparents of children with development delays.
Results: Over the course of two years following the onset of the COVID-19, there was an overall decrease in costs, patients and visits. Compared to the expected ratios based on years 2017-2019, patients (0.781) and visits (0.779) exhibited a more pronounced decline than costs (0.946). Through qualitative research, the difficulties related to economic support, treatment assistance and caregiving support were identified. These findings highlight the necessity for improvements in these areas.
Conclusions: Significant decline in the rehabilitative treatment and healthcare services among children with developmental delays was observed. Moreover, the necessity for comprehensive policy intervention to address the multifaceted aspects regarding healthcare services for the children is required.
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KEYWORD
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COVID-19, Developmental delays, Healthcare utilization, Pediatric rehabilitation, Social crises
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