The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Care: Considerations for Providing Virtual Evidence-Based Care to Youth With High Levels of Needle Fear

Abstract

Objective: Youth with high levels of needle fear are at risk for adverse health outcomes and poor compliance with general and specialty medical recommendations. With consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased availability of vaccines, recommendations for adapting and virtually delivering evidence-based interventions for youth with high levels of needle fear are of particular importance for pediatric psychologists. Thus, the purpose of this commentary is to provide an overview of evidence-based interventions and recommendations for pediatric psychologists seeking to adapt and virtually deliver evidence-based interventions to youth with high levels of needle fear. Conclusions: Although pediatric psychologists may face challenges when adapting and virtually delivering exposure-based interventions to youth and their families, the clinical benefits certainly outweigh the costs, particularly considering the increased availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for youth.

Implications for Impact Statement

Although it is unclear whether COVID-19 vaccinations will be approved for children under 12-years of age and whether subsequent mandates will be implemented, if left unaddressed needle fear may inadvertently perpetuate the pandemic, as it is anticipated that individuals with high levels of needle fear will be more likely to decline vaccination. Thus, with consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipated rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for youth, recommendations for pediatric psychologists seeking to adapt and virtually deliver evidence-based interventions to youth with high levels of needle fear are of particular importance.