Ann Pediatr Res | Volume 6, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Evaluation of Telehealth Use in Pediatric University Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nadar M*, Miron MC, Buithieu M, Adam C, Ouali H and Jouvet P

1Department of Health Sciences, University of Quebec in Outaouais, Canada 2Unit for the Evaluation of Technologies and Intervention Methods in Health (UETIMH), Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Canada 3Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Canada

*Correspondance to: Mahmoud Nadar 

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Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a marked increase in the use of telehealth was observed. However, the recent popularity of these practices in an emergency setting has not resulted in a standardized practice framework for the hospital, leading to diverse practices. In a perspective of continuous improvement, we conducted an assessment of telehealth use within seven international pediatric centers. The aim of this study was to bring out the operational reality on feasibility, medical practice within a protective regulatory framework, and draw out the barriers and challenges in pediatric telehealth practice. Materials and Method: The Health Technology Assessment Unit of Sainte Justine University Hospital Center conducted a benchmarking on seven international centers with similar care organization. An online questionnaire (Appendix 1) was developed for the telehealth managers of each identified center. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the governance structure of telehealth in three institutions. Main aspects were related to software installation, organization of telehealth in the institution, and institutional use policy and legislation. As for the barriers, the availability of equipment and the use of technology were the most frequently mentioned barriers. Discussion: several institutions changed their telehealth policies. These results can be explained by the temporary closure of some non-emergency hospital services during the pandemic in order to manage patients with COVID-19. Follow-up of patients who could not be followed up in person could be done remotely by teleconsultation. Overall, the majority of centers that responded to the questionnaire were satisfied with the management of telehealth during the pandemic.

Keywords:

COVID-19 Pandemic; Telehealth

Citation:

Nadar M, Miron MC, Buithieu M, Adam C, Ouali H, Jouvet P. Evaluation of Telehealth Use in Pediatric University Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ann Pediatr Res. 2022; 6(1): 1067..

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