Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the landscape of pediatric primary care, necessitating rapid adaptations to ensure continued access to essential services. One such adaptation is the transition of the Connect for Health pediatric weight management program to a telehealth format. This blog explores the findings from the research article "Adapting Connect for Health pediatric weight management program for telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic" and provides actionable insights for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and outcomes in telehealth settings.
Understanding the Adaptation Process
The study employed a systematic approach to adapt the Connect for Health program for telehealth. Key steps included engaging stakeholders, conducting surveys with parents and clinicians, and making data-driven adaptations to ensure the program's effectiveness and equity. This process was guided by established adaptation frameworks, emphasizing the importance of retaining core program functions while responding to the changing healthcare context.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
The research highlighted several critical insights:
- Parent Preferences: A significant portion of parents expressed a preference for a combination of in-person and virtual visits, with those having limited English proficiency (LEP) favoring in-person interactions for discussing sensitive health issues.
- Clinician Feedback: While clinicians found telehealth to be a useful tool, they noted challenges in conducting physical exams and obtaining anthropometrics virtually. They also highlighted the need for resources to improve virtual visit quality, particularly for families with LEP.
- Equity Considerations: The study underscored the importance of addressing disparities in telehealth access, particularly for families with LEP and lower socio-economic status. Adaptations included providing educational materials in multiple languages and ensuring flexibility in program delivery.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
Practitioners can enhance their telehealth practice by implementing the following strategies based on the study's findings:
- Engage Stakeholders: Regularly involve parents and clinicians in discussions about telehealth experiences and preferences to inform program adaptations.
- Utilize Multimodal Resources: Develop and provide educational materials in various formats (e.g., videos, handouts) and languages to accommodate diverse family needs.
- Focus on Equity: Implement strategies to ensure equitable access to telehealth services, such as offering both phone and video visit options and addressing technological barriers.
- Continuous Evaluation: Use data-driven approaches to assess the effectiveness of telehealth adaptations and make iterative improvements.
Conclusion
The adaptation of the Connect for Health program for telehealth provides valuable insights into how evidence-based interventions can be modified to meet the evolving needs of healthcare settings. By focusing on stakeholder engagement, equity, and data-driven decision-making, practitioners can enhance the delivery of pediatric weight management services in telehealth environments.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Adapting Connect for Health pediatric weight management program for telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
