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Christovão IS, de Almeida Rodrigues L, de Paula Machado ACC, de Souza Pascoal AF, Fontes DE, Mendonça KTD, de Castro Magalhães L, Camargos ACR. Hybrid developmental follow-up for preterm infants in Brazil: A feasibility study. Early Hum Dev 2024; 195:106069. [PMID: 38924944 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The low attendance of families in child developmental follow-up programs for at-risk preterm children is a challenge in Brazil. OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the feasibility of implementing a developmental follow-up program for Brazilian preterm infants in a hybrid format. METHODS This is an observational, prospective cohort study, involving preterm infants. Longitudinal developmental test results, the participation frequency in the program, and the number of referrals to early intervention programs were used to assess feasibility. The General Movements (GMs) assessment, Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and, Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children (SWYC) Milestones were administered via telehealth. The Bayley-III was administered in-person. RESULTS Thirty-four preterm infants attended the follow-up until 12 months of corrected age and 18 (52.9 %) concluded all follow-up assessments. Twenty-six (76.5 %) attended all assessments via telehealth, and 26 (76.5 %) attended the in-person assessment. Eighteen (52.9 %) infants showed at least one altered result in development tests. Infants exhibiting abnormal results in the GMs assessment, motor developmental delay according to the AIMS, or developmental delay based on Balley-III were promptly referred to early intervention services. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated high participation rate and low dropout in a developmental follow-up program employing a hybrid format. The substantial number of identified infants with developmental delay emphasizes the importance of timely detection of motor delays to referral to early intervention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Saraiva Christovão
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lara de Almeida Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Flávia de Souza Pascoal
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Déborah Ebert Fontes
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Karoline Tury de Mendonça
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais/EBSERH, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lívia de Castro Magalhães
- Graduate Program in Occupation Studies, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Resende Camargos
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Passamani RS, Shigihara CK, Gomes PG, Dos Santos AN. Agreement of synchronous remote and in-person application of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale: Cohort study. J Telemed Telecare 2024:1357633X241245160. [PMID: 38659374 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x241245160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Using standardized scales to assess motor development via telemedicine can increase access for low-income populations. Our aim was to verify the agreement and feasibility between remotely and synchronously applying the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the in-person format. METHODS This was a concordance study, with 77 typical infants aged 4-18 months (mean = 13 months). The AIMS was applied remote via video calls and face-to-face. We applied a questionnaire to caregivers to verify feasibility. RESULTS There was a high level of agreement between the remote and in-person assessments, with intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.98 and low standard error measure values (<1 item for each posture, <2 items for the total raw score, and =5% for the normative score). The smallest detectable change was between 1.67 and 2.45 for each posture, 3 for the total raw score, and 6% for the normative score. The Bland-Altman analysis showed low bias with the mean difference close to zero (<0.80) and low error with little dispersion of the difference points around the mean. Caregivers' perspectives on the synchronous remote assessment were positive, with good quality, clear information during the assessment, and comfort with the method. DISCUSSION The synchronous remote application of the AIMS may be an alternative for families without access to in-person services that assess motor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela S Passamani
- Department of Health Science, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Carolina K Shigihara
- Department of Health Science, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Paula G Gomes
- Department of Health Science, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Adriana N Dos Santos
- Department of Health Science, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Svensson K, Sundelin H, Eliasson AC. Outcomes of a Parent-Delivered Baby-mCIMT Model for Infants at High Risk of Unilateral Cerebral Palsy Using Remote Coaching in Telerehabilitation. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:101. [PMID: 38255414 PMCID: PMC10814714 DOI: 10.3390/children11010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of the positive effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for infants at high risk of unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) when provided by parents with in-person coaching/supervision from occupational therapists during home visits. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Baby-mCIMT (modifiedCIMT) can be as effective if parents are coached/supervised remotely. In this case-control study, we recruited 20 infants and re-used 18 controls, 4-8-month-old infants in both groups at high risk of UCP. The same protocol regarding inclusion criteria, data collection, and training volume was used in both groups. The training was conducted for two 6-week periods, separated by a 6-week break, consisting of daily 30 min sessions conducted by parents, supported by therapist coaching once a week. The primary outcome was measured using the Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI). There was no difference in the change of HAI units (p = 0.803) or that of the affected-hand raw score (p = 0.942) between the two groups. The remote coaching method was well received by parents. In conclusion, this demonstrates that remote coaching/supervision is as effective as the in-person approach, requiring less time and effort for both families and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Svensson
- Division of Children’s and Women’s Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linkoping University, 58183 Linkoping, Sweden;
- Crown Princess Victoria’s Children Hospital, 58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Heléne Sundelin
- Neuropediatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Neuropaediatric Research Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Christin Eliasson
- Neuropediatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
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Devagiri B, Ariyasena ADK, Siriwardhana DD, Sumanasena S. Telehealth services for children with neuro-developmental disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region: A systematic review. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13192. [PMID: 38049949 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years telehealth became a popular and a rational health service delivery approach, especially amidst multiple challenges posed while providing health care interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM We synthesized available evidence on telehealth for managing children with NDDs in the Asia-Pacific region with the aim of identifying successful methods. METHODOLOGY We systematically reviewed six electronic databases: MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and (CINAHL plus) using the keywords and database-specific subject headings from their inception to 25th August 2021. Review findings were synthesized narratively, and harvest plots were used to demonstrate the effect of interventions. The protocol and reporting the findings of this review adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PROSPERO registration: CRD 340690. RESULTS We harvested 30,823 records; 17,563 duplicates were removed, and 196 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. 16 studies with multiple research designs were included in the review. Eight were from the Pacific region and eight represented Asia. The interventions targeted families and children with a variety of NDDs (autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cleft lip and palate, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy etc.) via telehealth. Telehealth packages consisted of direct and indirect methods of synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid approaches. All studies used parent-led intervention strategies. Telehealth reported a positive effect in 7/16 studies while five showed a neutral effect. CONCLUSIONS According to published evidence telehealth for children with NDDs is an evolving, evidence-based service facilitation modality in the Asia-Pacific region, with only a few published randomized controlled trials. The systematic review shows promising telehealth practices emerging across the region despite the diversity in NDDs studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagya Devagiri
- Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
- Ayati, National Centre for Children with Disabilities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Dhammika Deepani Siriwardhana
- Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Samanmali Sumanasena
- Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
- Ayati, National Centre for Children with Disabilities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Tiwari BB, Kulkarni A, Zhang H, Khan MM, Zhang DS. Utilization of telehealth services in low- and middle-income countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative summary. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2179163. [PMID: 36803538 PMCID: PMC9946329 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2179163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the current period of the pandemic, telehealth has been a boon to the healthcare system by providing quality healthcare services at a safe social distance. However, there has been slow progress in telehealth services in low- and middle-income countries with little to no evidence of the cost and effectiveness of such programmes. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the expansion of telehealth in low- and middle-income countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the challenges, benefits, and costs associated with implementing telehealth services in these countries. METHODS We performed a literature review using the search term: '*country name* AND ((telemedicine[Title][Abstract]) OR (telehealth[Title][Abstract] OR eHealth[Title][Abstract] OR mHealth[Title][Abstract]))'. Initially, we started with 467 articles, which were reduced to 140 after filtering out duplicates and including only primary research studies. Next, these articles were screened based on established inclusion criteria and 44 articles were finalised to be used in the review. RESULTS We found telehealth-specific software being used as the most common tool to provide such services. Nine articles reported patient satisfaction of greater than 90% with telehealth services. Moreover, the articles identified the ability to make a correct diagnosis to resolve the condition, efficient mobilisation of healthcare resources, increased accessibility for patients, increased service utilisation, and increased satisfaction as benefits of telehealth services, whereas inaccessibility, low technological literacy, and lack of support, poor security standards and technological concerns, loss of interest by the patients, and income impacts on physicians as challenges. The review could not find articles that explored the financial information on telehealth programme implementation. CONCLUSION Although telehealth services are growing in popularity, the research gap on the efficacy of telehealth is high in low- and middle-income countries. To better guide the future development of telehealth services, rigorous economic evaluation of telehealth is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplav Babu Tiwari
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Hui Zhang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mahmud M. Khan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Donglan Stacy Zhang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA,Division of Health Services Research, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA,CONTACT Donglan Stacy Zhang Division of Health Services Research, Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, 101 Mineola Blvd, Mineola, NY11501, USA
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