Schulich students for emergency childcare: Results of a community initiative during COVID-19

Autor: Chris Zhang, Nadeesha Samarasinghe, Jessica Garabon, Gali Katznelson, Montana Hackett, Yashoda Valliere, Rebecca Barnfield
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: University of Western Ontario Medical Journal.
ISSN: 2560-8274
0042-0336
DOI: 10.5206/uwomj.v89is1.10898
Popis: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to the abrupt suspension of many businesses and services in Ontario including schools and childcare centres. This resulted in many parents struggling to identify options for childcare, including frontline healthcare workers (HCWs). A volunteer initiative composed of medical and dental students was developed to provide emergency childcare support to HCWs in Southwestern Ontario. Experts in areas of public health, law, and bioethics were consulted to minimize the risks associated with participation and develop a clear policy to prioritize the health and safety of all participants. Social media was utilized to recruit volunteers and HCWs who were matched on a first-come, first-served basis. 59 medical and dental students were recruited to provide emergency support for 21 HCWs within the unique safety and ethical conditions posed by COVID-19. By reflecting on the strengths of this initiative and the challenges faced during its completion, key areas of improvement were identified that should be addressed in future initiatives of a similar nature.
Databáze: OpenAIRE