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Mitteregger E, Dirks T, Theiler M, Kretschmar O, Latal B. The implementation of EMI-Heart, a family-tailored early motor intervention in infants with complex congenital heart disease, in practice: a feasibility RCT. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:105. [PMID: 39095881 PMCID: PMC11295334 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) who undergo open-heart surgery are at risk of developmental impairment, including motor delay, which contributes to parental concerns. Additionally, parents experience prolonged stress associated with their child's disease. There is a lack of early motor interventions in infants with CHD accounting for parental burdens. We developed a family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart), aiming to promote motor development in infants with CHD and family well-being. The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the study design and the intervention. The secondary aim was to evaluate differences between the intervention and the control group in motor outcomes and family well-being at baseline (3-5 months), post-treatment (6-8 months), and at follow-up (12 months). METHOD In this single-centre feasibility randomized control trial (RCT), infants with CHD after open-heart surgery without genetic or major neurological comorbidities were randomly allocated to EMI-Heart or the control group (standard of care). EMI-Heart's key elements promote postural functional activities and encourage parental sensitivity to infants' motor and behaviour cues. Infants assigned to EMI-Heart received nine sessions of early motor intervention at home, in the hospital, and online for a duration of 3 months by a paediatric physiotherapist. We performed descriptive statistics for feasibility and secondary outcomes. RESULTS The recruitment rate was 59% (10/17), all participating families completed the study (10/10), and the intervention duration was 3.9 months (± 0.54), including nine intervention sessions per family. Median acceptability to parents was 3.9 (1 = not agree-4 = totally agree, Likert scale). The paediatric physiotherapist considered the intervention as feasible. The comparison of motor outcomes did not show differences between groups. However, we detected improved reliable change scores in family well-being outcomes for families of the intervention group compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS Our research indicates that EMI-Heart is a feasible intervention for infants with CHD after open-heart surgery. The intervention was highly acceptable both to parents and to the paediatric physiotherapist. Online treatment sessions offer a valuable alternative to home and hospital visits. This feasibility RCT provides a foundation for a future full trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCTT04666857. Registered 23.11.2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mitteregger
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, Zurich, CH-8032, Switzerland.
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Tineke Dirks
- Lecturer Emerita, Paediatric, Physiotherapy, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Manuela Theiler
- Swiss Parents' Association for Children with Heart Disease (Elternvereinigung für das Herzkranke Kind), Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kretschmar
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, Zurich, CH-8032, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Su WC, Cleffi C, Srinivasan S, Bhat AN. Does Delivery Format Matter? A Pilot Study Comparing Telehealth Versus Face-to-Face Movement Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Phys Ther 2024:00001577-990000000-00102. [PMID: 39073049 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000001131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have motor, social communication, and behavioral challenges. During the pandemic, children lost access to face-to-face (F2F) services and had to revert to telehealth (TH) options. We compared the efficacy, fidelity, acceptability, and feasibility of a general motor (GM) intervention using an F2F or telehealth (TH) format. METHODS Fifteen children with ASD participated in an 8-week program involving gross motor games to promote motor and social communication skills. Differences across TH and F2F formats for motor and socially directed verbalization as well as stakeholder feedback on formats were collected. RESULTS Gross motor and socially directed verbalization did not differ between the F2F and TH subgroups, and parents and trainers were satisfied with either format. However, TH interventions were longer, had more technological challenges, and required more parental effort. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study support the use of TH as a comparable and viable substitute for F2F interactions for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chun Su
- Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Su, Ms Cleffi, and Dr Bhat), Biomechanics & Movement Science Program (Dr Su, Ms Cleffi, and Dr Bhat), Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (Dr Bhat), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware; and Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology (Dr Srinivasan), Institute for Health, Intervention, and Policy (Dr Srinivasan), Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (Dr Srinivasan), , University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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Schiano N, Sivori T, Dumont R, Weaver M, Shehadeh A, Ridgway E, Schaaf R. Ayres Sensory Integration® Intervention for Autistic Children: A Telehealth Adaptation. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7804345010. [PMID: 38900915 PMCID: PMC11220782 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Ayres Sensory Integration® is an evidence-based, manualized occupational therapy intervention for autism that is delivered in person. A telehealth adaptation could bridge service gaps for families who may have challenges accessing services. OBJECTIVE To create a telehealth adaptation of the evidence-based manualized protocol of Ayres Sensory Integration using best practice for telehealth guidelines and to obtain input on the adaptation from experts. SETTING Online survey of U.S. telehealth experts and occupational therapy clinicians in fall and winter 2022. PARTICIPANTS Two telehealth experts and six occupational therapy clinicians. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Two Qualtrics surveys focused on perceived feasibility and acceptability, resources included, and clarity of instructions. RESULTS Telehealth experts and occupational therapy clinicians rated the Ayres Sensory Integration telehealth adapted manual as easy to follow, aligned with telehealth best practices, and feasible for remote delivery. Suggestions for additional adaptations included adding resources for technology troubleshooting, intervention planning, rapport building, and continuing education. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Suggested adaptations were made; the manual is ready for feasibility testing. Plain-Language Summary: This report is the first to describe a telehealth adaptation of Ayres Sensory Integration®. The manual provides comprehensive training and resources to support clinicians in delivering sensory integration, telehealth-based interventions to autistic children. Two telehealth experts and six occupational therapy clinicians rated the Ayres Sensory Integration telehealth adapted manual as easy to follow, aligned with telehealth best practices, and feasible for remote delivery. The manual will be available to clinicians after feasibility and pilot testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Schiano
- Natalie Schiano, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Taylor Sivori
- Taylor Sivori, OTD, OTR/L, is Research Project Manager II, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rachel Dumont
- Rachel Dumont, MS, OTR/L, is Research Program Manager, Center of Telehealth, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA
| | - Molly Weaver
- Molly Weaver, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Approved Private School, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Aseel Shehadeh
- Aseel Shehadeh, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, PT Solutions, Totowa, NJ
| | - Elizabeth Ridgway
- Elizabeth Ridgway, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, is Occupational Therapy Assistant Chief and Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Einstein/Montefiore, Bronx, NY
| | - Roseann Schaaf
- Roseann Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Director, Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA;
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Lindsay S, Ragunathan S, Kingsnorth S, Zhou C, Kakonge L, Cermak C, Hickling A, Wright FV. Understanding the benefits and challenges of outpatient virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Canadian pediatric rehabilitation hospital. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:2396-2404. [PMID: 37306595 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2221902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The evolving virtual health care experience highlights the potential of technology to serve as a way to enhance care. Having virtual options for assessment, consultation and intervention were essential during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, especially for children with disabilities and their families. The purpose of our study was to describe the benefits and challenges of outpatient virtual care during the pandemic within pediatric rehabilitation. METHODS This qualitative study, part of a larger mixed methods project, involved in-depth interviews with 17 participants (10 parents, 2 youth, 5 clinicians) from a Canadian pediatric rehabilitation hospital. We analyzed the data using a thematic approach. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated three main themes: (1) benefits of virtual care (e.g., continuity of care, convenience, stress reduction and flexibility, and comfort within the home environment and enhanced rapport); (2) challenges related to virtual care (e.g., technical difficulties and lack of technology, environmental distractions and constraints, communication difficulty, and health impacts); and (3) advice for the future of virtual care (i.e., offering choice to families, enhanced communication and addressing health equity issues). CONCLUSIONS Clinicians and hospital leaders should consider addressing the modifiable barriers in accessing and delivering virtual care to optimize its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Shauna Kingsnorth
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chuanlin Zhou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Kakonge
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carly Cermak
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Hickling
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - F Virginia Wright
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Gruskin BA, Richter M, Loukas KM, Angell AM. Expertise Gained During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Ethical Implications Through Practitioners' Narratives. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2024:15394492241254742. [PMID: 38769848 DOI: 10.1177/15394492241254742] [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: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a transition to telehealth. Research supports the use of telehealth; however, there is a paucity of literature on the ethical considerations of this shift. This study explored ethics through narratives of practitioners' lived experiences of transitioning to telehealth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with 10 pediatric health care professionals. Transcripts were analyzed from a narrative phenomenological perspective. Discussed themes include responding to the rapid redirection, collaborating with colleagues and caregivers, applying therapeutic use of self, and evolving pragmatic clinical reasoning. Transitioning to telehealth resulted in ethical dilemmas pertaining to clients and practitioners. The need for additional support was salient to ensure clients received beneficial services that would not cause harm (non-maleficence). Communities of practice formed organically as forums to explore strategies for sharing comprehensive and equitable information (veracity and justice). Knowledge generated through providers' experiences may inform future guidelines on service delivery transitions.
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Bramble LA, Tracy B, Siverling S, Mizuta J, Juliano K, Plack M. Patient, Provider, and Organizational Considerations for Implementing Rehabilitation Telehealth. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:173-186. [PMID: 37318832 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: While telehealth services (THS) have been around for some time, for many in the rehabilitation services, it is a new mode of service delivery. THS can be as effective as face-to-face care and are valued by patients and clinicians. However, THS present considerable challenges and may not be appropriate for everyone. Clinicians and organizations must be prepared to triage and manage patients in this environment. Aims of this study were to capture clinician perceptions of the implementation of THS in rehabilitation and use the insights gained to provide strategies for overcoming implementation challenges. Methods: An electronic survey was emailed to 234 rehabilitation clinicians in a large urban hospital. Completion was voluntary and anonymous. Qualitative analysis of the open-ended responses consisted of an iterative consensus-driven interpretivist approach. Multiple strategies were used to minimize bias and optimize trustworthiness. Results: From the 48 responses received, four themes were identified: (1) THS provide unique benefits for patients, providers, and organizations; (2) challenges arose in multiple domains (clinical, technological, environmental, and regulatory); (3) clinicians require specific personal, clinical, and technological knowledge, skills, and attributes to be effective; and (4) individual characteristics, session type, home environment, and needs must be considered in patient selection. Discussion and Conclusion: From the themes identified, a conceptual framework illustrating the keys to effective implementation of THS was developed. Recommendations addressing challenges across multiple domains (clinical, technological, environmental, and regulatory), and at all levels of care delivery (patient, provider, and organization) are provided. Insights gained from this study can be used by clinicians in advocating for and designing effective THS programs. Educators would also gain from using these recommendations to train students and clinicians to recognize and address the challenges they may encounter in providing THS in rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brad Tracy
- Evidence in Motion, Sugar Grove, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Jay Mizuta
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karen Juliano
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret Plack
- The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Smart S, Imms D, Brewer M. Virtual nourishment: Paediatric feeding disorder management with telepractice amidst COVID-19: An allied health perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37933463 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2023.2264550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The rapid adoption of telepractice services by health professionals was necessary to maintain service continuity for children with paediatric feeding disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, during periods where in-person therapy was restricted. The aim of this study was to explore clinical perspectives and reflections on the use of telepractice for managing paediatric feeding disorders during the pandemic. METHOD A post-positivist qualitative approach using thematic analysis was adopted. This study seeks to understand participants' experiences and thoughts from allied health professionals from speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and dietetics working with paediatric feeding in Western Australia. All participants delivered at least 10 telepractice sessions to children from birth to 12 years with a paediatric feeding disorder. Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis process was used to analyse the data inductively. RESULT Eleven allied health professionals representing eight clinical settings in Western Australia, including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and dietetics, working with paediatric feeding were recruited. The results revealed four themes: families becoming the catalyst of change, clinician comfort over confidence, insights into authentic mealtimes, and the paradox of choice. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the need to build clinicians' confidence and competence, and the provision of service guidelines and training. Although many clinicians had positive experiences with telepractice, most returned to in-person delivery once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, emphasising the importance of comfort in service delivery selection. We recognise that the findings of this study are constrained by the fact that it was conducted in a single geographical region and utilised a small qualitative sample. While telepractice was successful in managing paediatric feeding disorders, further development and implementation of telepractice guidelines are needed for telepractice to be a viable service delivery option for families and children with feeding disorders.
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King N, Wiley M, Rose A, Fergus A. Delivery of School-based Physical Therapy via Telehealth: Perceptions and Attitudes of School-based Physical Therapists. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2023; 44:180-197. [PMID: 38410919 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2023.2228898] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
AIMS School-based physical therapists (SBPTs) rapidly transitioned to telehealth during the pandemic. This study explored the perceptions of, and strategies utilized by, SBPTs delivering therapy via telehealth. METHODS Using a grounded theory qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were completed with 13 SBPTs. Interviews were transcribed and theme coded until saturation was achieved. RESULTS The following themes emerged: supports and education, challenges, strategies promoting success, and the outcomes of telehealth. SBPTs overcame challenges including those associated with technology, communication, space, equipment, and examination. Coaching techniques, incorporation into the daily routine, and the sharing of demonstrations promoted success. Telehealth service delivery was perceived to improve communication with educational teams and families, improve efficiency and productivity, increase access to students, promote an appreciation of the family and home context, and enhance family engagement. SBPTs believe incorporating elements of telehealth in conjunction with in-person delivery is ideal. CONCLUSIONS While the COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to telehealth for SBPTs, lessons learned could have a long-lasting positive impact on school-based services. The benefits of telehealth should be considered in the delivery of school-based physical therapy services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie King
- Division of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA
| | - Michele Wiley
- Division of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA
| | - Alexa Rose
- Division of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA
| | - Andrea Fergus
- Division of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA
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Rettinger L, Kuhn S. Barriers to Video Call-Based Telehealth in Allied Health Professions and Nursing: Scoping Review and Mapping Process. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46715. [PMID: 37526957 PMCID: PMC10427933 DOI: 10.2196/46715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth interventions have become increasingly important in health care provision, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video calls have emerged as a popular and effective method for delivering telehealth services; however, barriers limit the adoption among allied health professionals and nurses. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify and map the perceived barriers to the use of video call-based telehealth interventions among allied health professionals and nurses. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and CINAHL databases on June 22, 2022, and updated on January 3, 2023, following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Only original studies published in English or German since June 2017 that reported barriers to the use of video call-based telehealth interventions were eligible for inclusion. The studies had to involve interviews, focus groups, or questionnaires with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, audiologists, orthoptists, dieticians, midwives, or nurses. Each publication was coded for basic characteristics, including country, health profession, and target group. Inductive coding was used to identify the patterns, themes, and categories in the data. Individual codings were analyzed and summarized narratively, with similarities and differences in barriers identified across health professions and target groups. RESULTS A total of 56 publications were included in the review, with barriers identified and categorized into 8 main categories and 23 subcategories. The studies were conducted in various countries, predominantly the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, and India. Questionnaires were the most commonly used evaluation method, with 10,245 health professionals involved. Interviews or focus groups were conducted with 288 health professionals. Most of the included publications focused on specific health care professions, with the highest number addressing barriers for physical therapists, speech and language therapists, and audiologists. The barriers were related to technology issues, practice issues, patient issues, environmental issues, attributions, interpersonal issues, policies and regulations, and administration issues. The most reported barriers included the lack of hands-on experience, unreliable network connection, the lack of technology access, diminished fidelity of observations and poor conditions for visual instructions, the lack of technology skills, and diminished client-practitioner interaction and communication. CONCLUSIONS This review identified key barriers to video call-based telehealth use by allied health professionals and nurses, which can foster the development of stable infrastructure, education, training, guidelines, policies, and support systems to improve telehealth services. Further research is necessary to identify potential solutions to the identified barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Rettinger
- Health Assisting Engineering, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Digital Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kuhn
- Institute of Digital Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Angell AM, Carreon ED, Akrofi JNS, Franklin MD, Taylor EE, Miller J, Crowley C, Maher SO. Challenges and Facilitators to Telehealth Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children During COVID-19. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2023:15394492221142597. [PMID: 36597578 DOI: 10.1177/15394492221142597] [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: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pre-pandemic, telehealth occupational therapy (OT) for autistic children appeared promising, but research was limited. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to investigate how clinics transitioned to telehealth. The purpose of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators that influenced delivery of OT services through telehealth for autistic children during the pandemic. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 13 participants (three administrators, six OTs, and four parents of autistic children) at three Los Angeles area clinics over a 7-month period. We used narrative and thematic analysis to identify four themes. We identified (a) Challenges and (b) Facilitators to Conducting Telehealth OT, including practical strategies for successful facilitation, and (c) Negative and (d) Positive Outcomes of Conducting Telehealth OT. As telehealth will likely remain a viable means of OT service delivery in the future, our findings provide insight into ways that it can be improved and sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Julie Miller
- Professional Child Development Associates, Pasadena, CA, USA
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Waltz M, Canter C, Bensen JT, Berg JS, Foreman AKM, Grant TL, Lich KH, Navas A, O’Daniel JM, Powell BC, Rini CM, Staley BS, Cadigan RJ. The Burden of COVID-19 on Caregivers of Children with Suspected Genetic Conditions: A Therapeutic Odyssey. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2022; 43:257-271. [PMID: 36310386 PMCID: PMC10079636 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2022.2138734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Children with disabilities and rare or undiagnosed conditions and their families have faced numerous hardships of living during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those with undiagnosed conditions, the diagnostic odyssey can be long, expensive, and marked by uncertainty. We, therefore, sought to understand whether and how COVID-19 impacted the trajectory of children's care. METHODS We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 25 caregivers who, prior to the pandemic, were on a diagnostic odyssey for their children. RESULTS Most caregivers did not report any interruptions to their child's diagnostic odyssey. The greatest impact was access to therapy services, including the suspension or loss of their child's in-person therapeutic care and difficulties with virtual therapies. This therapy gap caused caregivers to fear that their children were not making progress. CONCLUSION Although much has been written about the challenges of diagnostic odysseys for children and their families, this study illustrates the importance of expanding the focus of these studies to include therapeutic odysseys. Because therapeutic odysseys continue regardless of whether diagnoses are made, future research should investigate how to support caregivers through children's therapies within and outside of the COVID-19 context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Waltz
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Courtney Canter
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeannette T. Bensen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan S. Berg
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Tracey L. Grant
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kristen Hassmiller Lich
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Angelo Navas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julianne M. O’Daniel
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bradford C. Powell
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christine M. Rini
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brooke S. Staley
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - R. Jean Cadigan
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Hurtubise K. Telehealth: Moving It Forward as an Option to Enhance Family-Centered Pediatric Rehabilitation Services. A Commentary on "'Another Tool in Your Toolkit': Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists' Perspectives of Initiating Telehealth during the COVID-19 Pandemic". Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2022; 42:482-489. [PMID: 35949140 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2022.2106769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hurtubise
- CanChild Center for Childhood Disability Research, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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