The recent study titled Interdisciplinary feeding clinic during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Implementing telehealth and social determinants of health screening provides critical insights into the implementation of telehealth and social determinants of health (SDH) screening for pediatric feeding disorders (PFD). As practitioners, leveraging these insights can significantly enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients.
Here are some key takeaways from the research and how you can apply them in your practice:
- Transition to Telehealth: The study demonstrated that telehealth is a viable option for delivering interdisciplinary care. The transition from in-person to telehealth was effective in maintaining high-quality care. To replicate this success, ensure that your team is trained in telehealth protocols and that patients are onboarded to telehealth platforms effectively.
- SDH Screening: Implementing an SDH screening tool is crucial for identifying and addressing the socio-economic factors affecting your patients' health. The study used a screening instrument adapted from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, focusing on areas such as food, housing, and education. Integrating such tools into your practice can help you better understand and address the needs of your patients.
- Patient Portal Activation: The study found that patient portal activation significantly improved telehealth visit attendance. Encourage your patients to activate and use patient portals to access video services, instructional materials, and healthcare information. This can enhance their engagement and satisfaction with the care they receive.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: The study emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and psychologists. Ensure that your team collaborates effectively to provide comprehensive care to your patients.
Implementing these strategies can help you overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and continue to provide high-quality care to your patients. Telehealth and SDH screening are not just temporary solutions but can be integral parts of a modern, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system.
For further reading, I highly recommend diving into the original research paper: Interdisciplinary feeding clinic during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Implementing telehealth and social determinants of health screening.
