As practitioners dedicated to the health and development of children, it is essential to continuously seek innovative ways to provide effective care. A recent study titled "Feasibility of Video Consultation for Preterm Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cohort Study" offers valuable insights into the use of telemedicine for follow-up care in very preterm or at-risk infants. This research, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluated the feasibility and parental satisfaction of video consultations compared to in-person consultations.
Key Findings from the Study
The study involved 93 interviews with parents—58 after video consultations and 35 after in-person consultations. The results were compelling:
- Parental Satisfaction: No significant differences were found between video and in-person consultation groups in terms of satisfaction, attitudes toward confidentiality, or the discussion of private and sensitive information.
- Comfort and Empowerment: Parents in the video-consultation group felt comfortable performing guided examinations on their children and reported feeling more knowledgeable about their child's development.
- Attendance Rates: The rate of follow-up appointments increased during the survey period compared to the previous year, with a notable number of video consultations contributing to this rise.
Implications for Practitioners
The study's findings suggest that video consultations can be a viable alternative to in-person visits, especially under certain circumstances such as during a pandemic or for families living far from medical facilities. Here are some practical ways to implement these findings in your practice:
- Offer Video Consultations: Consider incorporating video consultations as part of your standard practice. This can help maintain continuity of care, especially for families who may have difficulty attending in-person appointments.
- Ensure Technical Readiness: Invest in reliable and secure telemedicine platforms that protect patient confidentiality and provide clear audio and video quality.
- Educate and Empower Parents: Provide clear instructions and support to parents during video consultations, empowering them to participate actively in their child's care.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly assess the effectiveness and satisfaction of video consultations to make data-driven improvements to your telemedicine services.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides promising results, further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of video consultations on pediatric care. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting their own studies and sharing findings with the broader medical community.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Feasibility of Video Consultation for Preterm Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cohort Study.
