The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the landscape of healthcare delivery, with telehealth emerging as a crucial modality. For pediatric patients and their caregivers, the transition from in-person to remote care has been significant. The systematic review titled "Satisfaction With Telehealth Services Compared With Nontelehealth Services Among Pediatric Patients and Their Caregivers: Systematic Review of the Literature" provides valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their telehealth services. This blog will discuss the key outcomes of the review and how practitioners can implement these findings to improve their skills and create better outcomes for children.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
The systematic review analyzed 14 studies comparing satisfaction levels between telehealth and nontelehealth services among pediatric patients and their caregivers. The findings were illuminating:
- In 9 out of 14 studies, satisfaction with telehealth services was higher or comparable to in-person visits.
- Caregivers appreciated the ease of use and reduced need for transportation with telehealth.
- Challenges included limited personal interaction, technological issues, and the lack of physical examination.
- Only one study assessed satisfaction from adolescent patients, showing a higher percentage of satisfaction with telehealth.
Strategies for Practitioners to Enhance Telehealth Services
Based on the review's findings, here are several strategies practitioners can implement to improve telehealth services:
1. Address Technological Challenges
Ensuring robust and user-friendly technology is crucial. Practitioners should:
- Provide clear instructions and support for using telehealth platforms.
- Offer technical support during appointments to troubleshoot any issues.
- Consider providing loaner devices or internet access to families in need.
2. Enhance Personal Interaction
One major drawback of telehealth is the perceived lack of personal connection. Practitioners can:
- Make eye contact with the camera to simulate direct eye contact.
- Use verbal cues to show empathy and understanding.
- Start appointments with a personal check-in to build rapport.
3. Incorporate Physical Examination Techniques
While physical examinations are challenging via telehealth, practitioners can:
- Use home-monitoring equipment and guide caregivers on their use.
- Incorporate hybrid models where necessary, combining telehealth with periodic in-person visits.
4. Improve Treatment Adherence
To address concerns about treatment adherence, practitioners should:
- Follow up more frequently with telehealth appointments.
- Use reminder systems to help families keep track of treatment schedules.
- Provide clear and concise instructions and resources that families can refer to.
Encouraging Further Research
The systematic review highlights the need for further research in several areas:
- More studies involving direct feedback from pediatric patients, especially adolescents.
- Research on the long-term outcomes of telehealth versus in-person care.
- Studies focusing on diverse populations to understand the broader applicability of telehealth.
Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate research to fill these gaps and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on telehealth.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Satisfaction With Telehealth Services Compared With Nontelehealth Services Among Pediatric Patients and Their Caregivers: Systematic Review of the Literature.
