1
|
Pozniak K, Rosenbaum P, Kwok EYL. Tasks performed by parents to enable telepractice for children with communication disorders: an interview study with clinicians and parents. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1547-1558. [PMID: 37078372 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2201509] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current service models in childhood rehabilitation promote the active participation of parents/caregivers in their children's therapies. The existing literature provides a limited understanding of the tasks and responsibilities parents undertake in their children's therapies, especially over telepractice. This study describes the tasks undertaken by parents in their children's speech therapy delivered virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with parents and speech-language pathologists, using open-ended interviews. Interviews were analyzed using a combination qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. RESULTS Parents performed many tasks to enable telepractice. These tasks happened before (e.g., setting up both physical and virtual space for therapy), during (e.g., managing child's behavior), and after the virtual therapy session (e.g., carrying out home practice). While parents were willing to perform these tasks in order to help their children, some expressed the toll that it can take on them. CONCLUSIONS Compared to what is known from in-person visits, some of these tasks were novel and unique to telepractice. We recommend that clinicians and parents collaboratively decide on tasks and responsibilities to avoid burdening parents, and that they weigh the costs associated with performing these tasks against the benefits of teletherapy.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONParents perform many tasks to support their children's therapies, both during and outside of therapy sessionsTherapies delivered virtually require parents to assume additional tasks to support their childrenFor services to be Family-Centered, tasks and responsibilities need to be decided collaboratively between parents and clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Pozniak
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Peter Rosenbaum
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Elaine Yuen Ling Kwok
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vaucheret Paz E, Giacchino M, Leist M, Chirila C, Petracca L, Agosta G. Telerehabilitation of subjects with neurodevelopmental disorders during confinement due to COVID-19. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024; 53:149-157. [PMID: 39127543 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcpeng.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many children with neurodevelopmental disorders from accessing face-to-face treatments. Telerehabilitation grew at this time as an alternative therapeutic tool. In this study we analysed remote cognitive rehabilitation in neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS This was a prospective, quasi-experimental (before-after) study that included 22 patients (mean age 9.41 years) with neurodevelopmental disorders who had telerehabilitation for over six months. RESULTS After six months of telerehabilitation, a statistically significant improvement was found with a large effect size in these areas: attention (sustained, selective and divided), executive functions (verbal and visual working memory, categorisation, processing speed), visuospatial skills (spatial orientation, perceptual integration, perception, simultanagnosia) and language (comprehensive and expressive). On the Weiss Functional Impairment Scale, all areas (family, learning and school, self-concept, activities of daily living, risk activities) improved with statistical significance. We found a positive correlation between the number of sessions and the improvement observed in executive functions (visual working memory, processing speed), attention (sustained attention, divided attention) and visuospatial skills (spatial orientation, perceptual integration, perception, simultanagnosia). We did not find statistical significance between the family structure and the number of sessions carried out. A high degree of perception of improvement and satisfaction was observed in the parents. CONCLUSIONS Telerehabilitation is a safe alternative tool which, although it does not replace face-to-face therapy, can achieve significant cognitive and functional improvements in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Vaucheret Paz
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mariana Giacchino
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Leist
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Chirila
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Petracca
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermos Agosta
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Manocchio N, Iovene I, Santoro A, Maccarone MC, Foti C. Report and Abstracts of the 15th Congress of the Mediterranean Forum of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine: Rome, July 6-8, 2023. Eur J Transl Myol 2023; 33:12116. [PMID: 38037884 PMCID: PMC10811650 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2023.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The 15th Mediterranean Forum of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (MFPRM) Congress, held in Rome from 6 to 8 July 2023, brought together over 600 PRM specialists and residents from 51 countries and 5 continents to share knowledge, perspectives, and research findings. The Congress focused on the theme "Beyond COVID," highlighting the resilience and adaptability of PRM in the face of the pandemic. Presentations showcased the latest advancements in PRM across various subspecialties, including orthopedics and sports re-education, neurological disorders, pharmacotherapy and pain, pediatrics disorders, musculoskeletal disease, ergonomics and robotics, spasticity management, ICF and evaluation scales, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, rehabilitation of patients with cancers disease, post COVID-19 re-education, cardio-respiratory and urogynecological disorders, and traumatic brain injury. The congress successfully served as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation in PRM, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and the resilience of PRM in adapting to emerging challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Manocchio
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - Isabella Iovene
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - Antonio Santoro
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | | | - Calogero Foti
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fernández-Lago H, Climent-Sanz C, Bravo C, Bosch-Barceló P, Masbernat-Almenara M, Sanjuan-Sánchez D, Briones-Vozmediano E. Physiotherapists' experiences on assisting physiotherapy users during the COVID-19 pandemic with lockdown measures in Spain. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 28:e2015. [PMID: 37203867 DOI: 10.1002/pri.2015] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physiotherapists had faced a new healthcare scenario characterised by the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. PURPOSE To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physiotherapy profession from the perspective of physiotherapists working in the public and private sectors. METHODS Qualitative study based on semi-structured personal interviews with 16 physiotherapists working in public, private, or public-private partnership sectors in Spain. The data were collected between March and June 2020. Inductive qualitative content analysis was performed. RESULTS The participants (13 women, 3 men; aged 24-44 years) had professional experience in diverse healthcare settings (primary, hospital, home, consultations, insurance companies, associations). Five categories were identified: (1) the impact of lockdown on the health of physiotherapy users; (2) managing the demand for physiotherapy services during lockdown; (3) introducing protocols and protective measures in physiotherapy consultations; (4) changes in therapeutic approaches; and (5) future expectations in the physiotherapy care model. Physiotherapists perceived that lockdown caused a decline in the functionality of people with chronic conditions, together with a reduction in the physiotherapy services. Difficulties in prioritising users considered urgent became evident, and the inclusion of prophylactic measures affected treatment duration differently depending on the care setting and the pandemic prompted the use of telerehabilitation. DISCUSSION The pandemic affected the functional status of chronic physiotherapy users and made treatment time, quality of care and triage protocols visible. In physiotherapy, technological barriers need to be solved, such as digital literacy, families without resources, situations of dependency and cultural barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fernández-Lago
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Grup d'Estudis Societat, Salut, Educació i Cultura, GESEC, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Carolina Climent-Sanz
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Grup d'Estudis Societat, Salut, Educació i Cultura, GESEC, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Cristina Bravo
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Grup d'Estudis Societat, Salut, Educació i Cultura, GESEC, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Pere Bosch-Barceló
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - María Masbernat-Almenara
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Grup d'Estudis Societat, Salut, Educació i Cultura, GESEC, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Erica Briones-Vozmediano
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Grup d'Estudis Societat, Salut, Educació i Cultura, GESEC, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cunha AS, Pedro AR, Cordeiro JV. Facilitators and barriers to access hospital medical specialty telemedicine consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2023. [PMID: 37262124 DOI: 10.2196/44188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transition in healthcare, which required a rapid adaptation of stakeholders. Telemedicine has emerged as an ideal tool to ensure continuity of care by allowing remote access to specialized medical services. However, its rapid implementation has exacerbated disparities in healthcare access, especially for the most vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE To characterize the determinants factors (facilitators and barriers) of access to hospital medical specialty telemedicine consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic; to identify the main opportunities and challenges (technological, ethical, legal and/or social) generated by the use of telemedicine in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register) were searched for empirical studies published between January 3rd, 2020, and December 31st, 2021, using established criteria. The protocol of this review was registered and published in PROSPERO (CRD42022302825). A methodological quality assessment was performed, and results were integrated into a thematic synthesis. The identification of main opportunities and challenges was done by interpreting and aggregating the thematic synthesis results. RESULTS Of the 106 studies identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria and the intended quality characteristics. All studies were originally from the United States of America (USA). The following facilitating factors of telemedicine use were identified: health insurance coverage; prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection; access to Internet services; access to technological devices; better management of work-life balance; and savings in travel costs. We identified the following barriers to telemedicine use: lack of access to Internet services; lack of access to technological devices; racial and ethnic disparities; low digital literacy; low income; age; language barriers; health insurance coverage; concerns about data privacy and confidentiality; geographic disparities; and need for complementary diagnostic tests or for the delivery of test results. CONCLUSIONS The facilitating factors and barriers identified in this systematic review present different opportunities and challenges, including those of technological nature (access to technological devices and internet services, level of digital literacy), sociocultural and demographic nature (ethnic and racial disparities, geographical disparities, language barriers, age), socioeconomic nature (income level and health insurance coverage), and ethical and legal nature (data privacy and confidentiality). To expand telemedicine access to hospital-based specialty medical consultations and provide high-quality care to all, including the most vulnerable communities, the challenges identified must be thoroughly researched and addressed with informed and dedicated responses. CLINICALTRIAL
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Soraia Cunha
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Avenida Padre Cruz, Lisbon, PT
| | - Ana Rita Pedro
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, PT
| | - João Valente Cordeiro
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, PT
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, PT
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bottle A, Neale FK, Foley KA, Viner RM, Kenny S, Aylin P, Saxena S, Hargreaves DS. Impact of COVID-19 on outpatient appointments in children and young people in England: an observational study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060961. [PMID: 35940830 PMCID: PMC9364042 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient appointments for children and young people. SETTING All National Health Service (public) hospitals in England. PARTICIPANTS All people in England aged <25 years. OUTCOME MEASURES Outpatient department attendance numbers, rates and modes (face to face vs telephone) by age group, sex and socioeconomic deprivation. RESULTS Compared with the average for January 2017 to December 2019, there was a 3.8 million appointment shortfall (23.5%) for the under-25 population in England between March 2020 and February 2021, despite a total rise in phone appointments of 2.6 million during that time. This was true for each age group, sex and deprivation fifth, but there were smaller decreases in face to face and total appointments for babies under 1 year. For all ages combined, around one in six first and one in four follow-up appointments were by phone in the most recent period. The proportion of appointments attended was high, at over 95% for telephone and over 90% for face-to-face appointments for all ages. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 led to a dramatic fall in total outpatient appointments and a large rise in the proportion of those appointments conducted by telephone. The impact that this has had on patient outcomes is still unknown. The differential impact of COVID-19 on outpatient activity in different sociodemographic groups may also inform design of paediatric outpatient services in the post-COVID period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Bottle
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca K Neale
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kimberley A Foley
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Russell M Viner
- Population, Policy and Practice Research Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Population Policy and Practice, London, UK
| | - Simon Kenny
- National Clinical Director, NHS England and NHS Improvement, London, UK
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Aylin
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sonia Saxena
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dougal S Hargreaves
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vaucheret Paz E, Giacchino M, Leist M, Chirilla C, Petracca L, Agosta G. [Telerehabilitation of Subjects with Neurodevelopmental Disorders During Confinement due to COVID-19]. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA 2022:S0034-7450(22)00028-2. [PMID: 35600217 PMCID: PMC9112035 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many children with neurodevelopmental disorders from accessing face-to-face treatments. Telerehabilitation grew at this time as an alternative therapeutic tool. In this study we analysed remote cognitive rehabilitation in neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods This was a prospective, quasi-experimental (before-after) study that included 22 patients (mean age 9.41 years) with neurodevelopmental disorders who had telerehabilitation for over six months. Results After six months of telerehabilitation, a statistically significant improvement was found with a large effect size in these areas: attention (sustained, selective and divided), executive functions (verbal and visual working memory, categorisation, processing speed), visuospatial skills (spatial orientation, perceptual integration, perception, simultanagnosia) and language (comprehensive and expressive). On the Weiss Functional Impairment Scale, all areas (family, learning and school, self-concept, activities of daily living, risk activities) improved with statistical significance. We found a positive correlation between the number of sessions and the improvement observed in executive functions (visual working memory, processing speed), attention (sustained attention, divided attention) and visuospatial skills (spatial orientation, perceptual integration, perception, simultanagnosia). We did not find statistical significance between the family structure and the number of sessions carried out. A high degree of perception of improvement and satisfaction was observed in the parents. Conclusions Telerehabilitation is a safe alternative tool which, although it does not replace face-to-face therapy, can achieve significant cognitive and functional improvements in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Vaucheret Paz
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Giacchino
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Leist
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Chirilla
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Petracca
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Agosta
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ethical responsibilities of European children's teams facing the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:207-213. [PMID: 34241684 PMCID: PMC8266989 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04185-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is posing an unprecedented challenge to healthcare systems around the globe. Europe has been struggling for 1 year now, and despite some encouraging progress (above all, the beginning of vaccination), the second wave is ongoing. Even though children are less affected than adults, the COVID-19 pandemic-and in particular the measures to counter it-is having a considerable impact on the paediatric healthcare setting. It is, therefore, the duty of paediatric teams in Europe to prepare for the challenges ahead. We wish to contribute to this necessary preparedness in two ways: firstly, by assessing the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on children and on the paediatric setting; secondly, and more importantly, by identifying the various responsibilities of paediatric healthcare professionals, in light of established ethical principles. Only abiding by these responsibilities will it be possible to ensure that ill children and their families are properly supported even in these difficult times and to grant that decisions about children's healthcare remain morally justified and lawful. What is Known: • The COVID-19 outbreak is posing an unprecedented challenge to healthcare systems around the globe • Despite the children are less affected than adults, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge impact also on paediatric setting What is New: • The COVID-19 pandemic lays out specific responsibilities of paediatric professionals towards our pa-tients, society and ourselves • The paediatric teams in Europe should assess the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on the chil-dren and on the paediatric settings, ensuring consistency between centres and across regions in Europe.
Collapse
|
9
|
Boisvert-Plante V, Noutsios CD, Perez J, Ingelmo P. The Telemedicine-Based Pediatric Examination of the Neck and Upper Limbs: A Narrative Review. J Pain Res 2021; 14:3173-3192. [PMID: 34675645 PMCID: PMC8519790 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s336168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the COVID-19 pandemic hastening the adoption of telemedicine into clinical practice, it has also prompted an abundance of new literature highlighting its capabilities and limitations. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of the literature on telemedicine applied in the context of a musculoskeletal examination of the neck and upper limbs for children 3 to 18 years old. The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant articles from January 2015 to August 2021 using a combination of keywords and nested searches. General examination components including inspection, guided self-palpation, range of motion, sensory and motor examination, as well as special testing are described. Although the literature is focused mainly on adult populations, we describe how each component of the exam can be reliably incorporated into a virtual appointment specific to pediatric patients. Caregivers are generally needed for most consultations, but certain maneuvers can be self-performed by older children and adolescents alone. There is general feasibility, validity, and substantial reliability in performing most examination components of the upper limbs remotely, except for the shoulder exam. Compared to those made in person, clinical diagnoses established virtually were found to be either the same or similar in most cases, and management decisions also had high agreement. Despite this, there is evidence that some pediatric providers may not be able to collect all the information needed from a telemedicine visit to make a complete clinical assessment. Lastly, currently available smartphone applications measuring joint range of motion were found to have high reliability and validity. This narrative review not only establishes a foundation for a structured pediatric musculoskeletal examination, but also aims to increase physicians' confidence in incorporating telemedicine into their standard of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jordi Perez
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, Montreal General Hospital (McGill University Health Centre), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo Ingelmo
- Alan Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Edwards Family Interdisciplinary Complex Pain Centre, Montreal Children’s Hospital (McGill University Health Centre), Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ransom DM, Caldwell CT, DiVirgilio EK, McNally KA, Peterson RL, Ploetz DM, Sady MD, Slomine BS. Pediatric mTBI during the COVID-19 pandemic: considerations for evaluation and management. Child Neuropsychol 2021; 28:355-373. [PMID: 34615434 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2021.1985101] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed healthcare utilization patterns and clinical practice, including pediatric mTBI evaluation and management. Providers treating pediatric mTBI, including neuropsychologists, have a unique role in evaluating and managing an already complex injury in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited empirically based guidelines. In the present paper, we review usual, evidence-based pediatric mTBI care, highlight changes experienced by healthcare providers since the onset of the pandemic, and provide possible considerations and solutions. Three primary challenges to usual care are discussed, including changes to post-injury evaluation, management, and treatment of persistent symptoms. Changing patterns of healthcare utilization have created unique differences in mTBI identification and evaluation, including shifting injury frequency and mechanism, reluctance to seek healthcare, and increasing access to telemedicine. Typical injury management has been compromised by limited access to usual systems/activities (i.e., school, sports, social/leisure activities). Patients may be at higher risk for prolonged recovery due to pre-injury baseline elevations in acute and chronic stressors and reduced access to rehabilitative services targeting persistent symptoms. Considerations and solutions for addressing each of the three challenges are discussed. Neuropsychologists and other pediatric healthcare providers will need to continue to flexibly adapt to the changing needs of youth recovering from mTBI through the duration of the pandemic and beyond. Consistent with pre-pandemic consensus statements, neuropsychologists remain uniquely qualified to evaluate and manage mTBI and provide an increasingly integral role as members of multidisciplinary teams in the context of the global pandemic.Abbreviations: AAP: American Academy of Pediatrics; CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19: coronavirus disease 19; ED: emergency department; mTBI: Mild traumatic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Ransom
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.,Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn T Caldwell
- Center for Behavioral Health, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily K DiVirgilio
- Center for Behavioral Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kelly A McNally
- Center for Behavioral Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Center for Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robin L Peterson
- Center for Behavioral Health, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.,Center for Behavioral Health, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Danielle M Ploetz
- Center for Behavioral Health, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maegan D Sady
- Center for Behavioral Health, Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc, Lutz, FL, USA
| | - Beth S Slomine
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Behavioral Health, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|