“Working Together”: Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals in Providing Virtual Care to Youth with Chronic Pain during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The onset of the coronavirus disease in 2019 necessitated a rapid transition to virtual care for chronic pain treatment. Methods: A mixed methods design was implemented using qualitative interviews and quantitative satisfaction surveys. Interviews were conducted in February 2021 with a sample of healthcare professionals (HCPs; n = 6) who had provided multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) through an outpatient hospital pediatric chronic pain program. Satisfaction surveys were distributed to all MDT professionals employed by the clinic in April 2021 (n = 13 of 20 eligible; 65% response rate). Participants represented medicine, rehabilitation, and mental health professionals. Results: Analysis of interviews generated five themes: (1) adaptation to virtual care, (2) benefits of virtual care, (3) limitations of virtual care, (4) shifting stance on virtual care over time, and (5) considerations for implementing virtual care. The satisfaction survey data revealed that respondents were able to effectively provide appropriate diagnoses, recommendations, and/or care plans for pediatric chronic pain via virtual care (n = 12, 92.3%). Detailed survey responses are presented by discipline. Conclusions: This study provides a rich exploration of HCPs’ experiences in providing MDT for pediatric chronic pain within a virtual care model. The current results may contribute to the future development of guidelines for virtual care delivery with pediatric chronic pain populations.

Virtual care delivery of whole family assessment and intervention with infants and preschoolers: a thematic analysis of clinician and family experiences

“…Disruptions and distractions were also commonly reported in the home setting by both caregivers and clinicians, some unique to the presence of young children or infants. Others have found similar challenges with distractibility and attentiveness during therapy via VTC, especially with younger children (Doan et al, 2021;Perrin et al, 2020;Ruskin, Borsatto, et al, 2023;. However, the setting also provided the opportunity for more naturalistic observations of families, as well as increased comfort for caregivers in disclosing sensitive and emotional topics.…”