Diversity of practices in telerehabilitation for children with disabilities and effective intervention characteristics: results from a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the characteristics and effectiveness of pediatric telerehabilitation interventions offered to children 0-12 years old or to their families. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on randomized control trials published between 2007 and 2018 involving at least one rehabilitation professional who provided services remotely. Information was

Pediatric Teleheath: Opportunities Created by the COVID-19 and Suggestions to Sustain Its Use to Support Families of Children with Disabilities

“…There is no consensus around the definition of telehealth, but most authors would agree that it refers to activities 1) related to health care, 2) provided at distance, and 3) involving either health care providers and/or patients (Camden et al., 2019;Zylstra, 2013). Telerehabilitation is the term used to refer to rehabilitation activities as opposed to telemedicine, which is specific to the field of medicine.…”

“…A 2019 systematic review of randomized-control trials suggests that telehealth for children with disabilities is effective, although few studies included physical or occupation therapy (Camden et al, 2019). Another systematic review supports the use of telehealth in parent education and skill development (Chi & Demiris, 2015), which is a key component of all peadiatric therapy service.…”

“…Having clear telehealth instructions and intervention guidelines will facilitate more intimate discussions to problem-solve with families in their natural environment. Trusting relationships facilate engagement of families in telehealth, along with the use of coaching approaches, which seem to be key for effective telehealth sessions (Camden et al, 2019). Coaching styles vary from more directive, traditional approaches where therapists recommend or supervise a pre defined set of exercices, to more collaborative and problem-solving approaches.…”

“…WECARE was presented as an example of a multi-modal telehealth research programme using both CMC and HCI. WECARE stands for Web-based Early-intervention for Children using multimodal Rehabilitation and has been developed following pilot projects and consultations with families and stakeholders (Camden et al, 2019;Pratte et al, 2020). WECARE is designed for families of children aged 3-8 years who have motor difficulties but are not accessing public rehabilitation services.…”

“…Telehealth, defined generally as providing health care at distance, is not new. For decades, research has been ongoing to identify how technology could be used to increase access to rehabilitation services for individual with disabilities, mostly by decreasing time and costs related to travel distance (Camden et al, 2019;Edirippulige et al, 2016;Iacono et al, 2016). Prior to the COVID-19, organizations such as the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) and the World Confederation of Occupational Therapists encouraged clinicians to embrace telehealth (Jacobs et al, 2015;WCPT and INPTRA, 2020).…”