Telehealth has become an essential tool in modern healthcare, offering unprecedented access to medical services across various specialties. The technology is particularly transformative in pediatric care, where the unique needs of young patients and their families present both challenges and opportunities for innovative care solutions.
From remote consultations with specialists to virtual family visits in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), telehealth is helping to bridge gaps in care and provide timely, effective medical support. This article explores pediatric use cases for telehealth, highlighting how virtual care supports access to specialists, family engagement, mental health, school-based health programs, and chronic condition management for young, vulnerable patients. We also delve into research findings to understand the efficacy and impact of telehealth interventions in children’s healthcare.
Remote Access to Pediatric Specialists
One of the most significant advantages of telehealth in pediatric care is its ability to connect children with specialized medical expertise, regardless of the patient’s geographic location. For families living in rural or underserved areas, telehealth allows children to receive expert care without long-distance travel. This is particularly crucial during acute care scenarios, such as pediatric emergencies, where timely access to a specialist can be life-saving.
On-site care teams can engage remote pediatric specialists for quick diagnosis, observation, and treatment of conditions. For example, children with congenital heart disease can have their echocardiograms reviewed by pediatric cardiologists in real-time, allowing for swift diagnosis and treatment planning. Similarly, children with neurological disorders can undergo remote assessments, enabling specialists to monitor their condition and adjust treatment plans without requiring frequent in-person visits.
Virtual Family Visits in the NICU
The NICU is an emotionally charged environment where the presence of family is impactful. Telehealth plays a pivotal role in supporting family-centered care in the NICU by enabling virtual visits for families. When patient families cannot be physically present due to work commitments or visitation constraints, parents can connect with their newborns and the medical team via secure video calls.
These virtual visits are more than just a convenience—they are essential for family bonding and reducing the stress of having a child in the NICU. Integrating telehealth into NICU care plans allows parents to be involved, ask questions, and receive real-time updates, enhancing the overall experience for the infant and the family.
Telehealth for Pediatric Mental Health
With a shortage of pediatric mental health service providers, mental health care for children and adolescents is another area where telehealth is making a significant impact. For adolescents, in particular, telehealth offers an additional layer of privacy and comfort, making it easier for them to seek help without the stigma that might be associated with in-person visits.
Research has shown that virtual mental health services are as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for pediatric patients. The flexibility of telehealth allows for more consistent therapy sessions. The enhanced convenience of telehealth services can also lead to better adherence to treatment plans and improved mental health outcomes.
School-Based Telehealth Services
Schools are increasingly becoming hubs for telehealth services, providing on-site care for common ailments and chronic conditions. School-based telehealth programs are a vital resource for students, particularly those who may not have easy access to healthcare outside of school. By partnering with healthcare providers, schools can offer a range of telehealth services, from routine check-ups to specialized care, directly on campus.
The impact of these programs is significant. Allowing students to receive care without leaving school helps reduce absenteeism. It also supports students with chronic health conditions by providing regular monitoring and quick access to care when needed.
Remote Monitoring of Diseases and Conditions
Telehealth is also invaluable in managing care for children with chronic conditions, cancers, special needs, and more. For diagnoses such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer, telehealth offers a convenient way for families to stay connected with their healthcare providers. Remote monitoring tools enable regular virtual check-ins, medication adjustments, and management of symptoms without the need for frequent in-person visits.
This is particularly beneficial in instances where physical disabilities limit the child’s or the family’s ability to travel or for those living far from specialized care centers. Telehealth supports more frequent touchpoints between on-site visits, ensuring that children receive continuous, comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
What the Research Tells Us
Studies point to promising results regarding the efficacy of telehealth in neonatal and pediatric care. The SPROUT (Supporting Pediatric Research on Outcomes and Utilization of Telehealth)-CTSA (Clinical Translational Science Awards) Collaborative Telehealth Research Network is at the forefront of much of the research exploring how telehealth impacts children’s health outcomes, particularly in acute care settings.
Along with SPROUT, other notable organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Children’s Hospital Association, and the American Telemedicine Association also support the advancement of telehealth in pediatric care through research and special interest groups. These efforts are crucial as the healthcare community continues to explore the potential for integrating AI and machine learning into remote care models, offering even more personalized and efficient care for children.
Looking Ahead
While challenges such as technology access, the digital divide, and privacy concerns remain, the benefits of telehealth’s use in pediatric care far outweigh the drawbacks. By continuing to invest in children’s telehealth, we can ensure that every child has access to the specialized care they need.
As researchers framed it in their assessment of Telemedicine Across the Continuum of Neonatal-Perinatal Care, “Moving forward, it is imperative to build on the progress made in the field of telemedicine. Retreating to pre-pandemic use would be an unfortunate lost opportunity to improve delivery of perinatal and neonatal care.”
To learn more about telehealth resources for pediatric care, set up a discovery call today!