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Open Access 16-05-2024 | Telemedicine | Original Contribution

The use of telehealth in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a survey of parents and caregivers

Authors: Emer Galvin, Blánaid Gavin, Ken Kilbride, Shane Desselle, Fiona McNicholas, Shane Cullinan, John Hayden

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Abstract

The use of telehealth became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, including in child and adolescent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services. Telehealth is defined as live, synchronous phone and video appointments between a healthcare provider and a parent and/or child with ADHD. There is a dearth of research on the use of telehealth within this population. The aim of this study was to examine parents’ and caregivers’ perceptions of telehealth for children and adolescents with ADHD. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Recruitment of parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with ADHD was conducted online. The survey asked participants about their views of telehealth, previous experience, and willingness to use telehealth. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. One hundred and twelve respondents participated in the survey. Participants were mostly female (n = 97, 86.6%) and aged between 45 and 54 (n = 64, 57.1%). Of the 61 (54.5%) participants with experience of telehealth, the majority reported that that they were at least satisfied with telehealth visits (n = 36, 59%), whilst approximately half rated their quality more poorly than in-person visits (n = 31, 50.8%). The majority of respondents (n = 91, 81.3%) reported that they would be willing to use telehealth for their child’s future appointments. Most common reasons selected for wanting to use telehealth included saving time, improvements to the family routine, and reducing costs. Reasons selected for not wanting to use telehealth included not being able to receive hands-on care, belief that the quality of care is poorer than in-person consultations, and distraction of the child during telehealth visits. The study demonstrates that parents recognise deficits and benefits of telehealth, suggesting a need to build their trust and confidence in remote ADHD care.

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Title: The use of telehealth in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a survey of parents and caregivers
Authors: Emer Galvin
Blánaid Gavin
Ken Kilbride
Shane Desselle
Fiona McNicholas
Shane Cullinan
John Hayden
Publication date: 16-05-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Telemedicine
COVID-19
Telemedicine
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-024-02466-y

ERS Congress 2024

Springer Medicine

The use of telehealth in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a survey of parents and caregivers

Abstract

ERS Congress 2024

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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