Telehealth Evaluation of Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Clinician and Caregiver Perspectives

Abstract

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Provider and Caregiver Satisfaction with Telehealth Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…However, the acceptance of telehealth diagnostic evaluations for ASD and the development of robust ASD telehealth diagnostic tools remains limited. This is likely due to a myriad of reasons, including legal and ethical considerations (Quigley et al, 2019 ), the difficulties associated with making a diagnosis in a highly heterogenous population, and the necessity of observation and interaction with an experienced provider (McNally Keehn et al, 2021 ). Nonetheless, research conducted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to support the feasibility and acceptability of telehealth ASD screening and evaluations in young children (Talbott et al, 2020 ; Wagner et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Studies conducted during the pandemic examining provider satisfaction with neurodevelopmental telehealth evaluation in children have revealed that most providers are satisfied and comfortable with the process (McNally Keehn et al, 2021 ; Wagner et al, 2021 ). Specifically, providers have reported feeling comfortable with completing telehealth assessments, providing ASD diagnoses based on telehealth evaluation results, and giving feedback and recommendations to families via telehealth (Wagner et al, 2020 , 2021 ).…”

“…Further, most parents reported the provider’s instructions were easy to follow, they understood what they were asked to do, and they felt comfortable being a part of the evaluation. Other factors associated with caregiver satisfaction include convenience, privacy, and reduced travel burden (Juárez et al, 2018 ; McNally Keehn et al, 2021 ). These findings contrast with some previous literature on caregiver satisfaction with receiving an ASD diagnosis via traditional, in-person evaluations (Crane et al, 2016 ; Howlin & Moore, 1997 ).…”

“…Providers have also reported challenges related to the family’s home environment, including lack of play materials and distractions. While providers regularly experience barriers related to technology and family challenges, a recent provider survey indicated that these problems were rarely rated as disruptive to the evaluation process (McNally Keehn et al, 2021 ).…”

Challenges to Telehealth

“…A study demonstrated 30% of families reported a time savings of over 3 hours related to reduced travel with telehealth. 17 Caregivers also reported appreciation that some services were able to continue via telehealth, avoiding a regression in skills. 18 …”