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Dahake U, Tripathy JP, Choudhary A, Jain S, Bang A, Girish M. Teleconsultation for Children With Developmental Disabilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Caregivers' Experience. Cureus 2023; 15:e48816. [PMID: 38106783 PMCID: PMC10721741 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The unprecedented situation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown necessitated the need for teleconsultations with caregivers of children with disabilities. The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability, satisfaction, perceived relevance, and barriers to teleconsultation from a caregiver's perspective. Methodology This was a descriptive qualitative study (telephonic interviews) involving in-depth interviews (IDIs) with the caregivers of children with developmental disabilities who received teleconsultations. Manual content analysis of transcripts of IDIs was done. Results Eight IDIs were conducted with the caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delay. The respondents expressed increased challenges in managing their children during the pandemic and the need for professional consultation. They also expressed difficulty in accessing professional help during the pandemic due to poor healthcare access and fear of getting COVID-19. The following responses were noted: "For almost a year we couldn't take her for the therapy," "We were unable to take him to therapy which resulted in an increase in tightness of his limbs, and he became more irritable." All respondents preferred video teleconsultations during lockdown due to flexible timings, ease of communication, and no travel restrictions; "I can benefit from teleconsultation because she does not have any physical problem." However, caregivers of children with physical ailments preferred face-to-face consultation. Conclusions Teleconsultation was found to effectively support the treatment and rehabilitation of children with disabilities during the COVID-19 lockdown, although direct face-to-face consultation was preferred by caregivers of children with physical ailments. The use of modern mobile/digital technologies creates new opportunities to improve the quality and accessibility of such services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Dahake
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Nagpur, IND
| | - Jaya Prasad Tripathy
- Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Nagpur, IND
| | - Abhijit Choudhary
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Nagpur, IND
| | - Shikha Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Nagpur, IND
| | - Akash Bang
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Nagpur, IND
| | - Meenakshi Girish
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Nagpur, IND
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Hiwale M, Walambe R, Potdar V, Kotecha K. A systematic review of privacy-preserving methods deployed with blockchain and federated learning for the telemedicine. HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 3:100192. [PMID: 37223223 PMCID: PMC10160179 DOI: 10.1016/j.health.2023.100192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The unexpected and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the acceptance of remote healthcare systems such as telemedicine. Telemedicine effectively provides remote communication, better treatment recommendation, and personalized treatment on demand. It has emerged as the possible future of medicine. From a privacy perspective, secure storage, preservation, and controlled access to health data with consent are the main challenges to the effective deployment of telemedicine. It is paramount to fully overcome these challenges to integrate the telemedicine system into healthcare. In this regard, emerging technologies such as blockchain and federated learning have enormous potential to strengthen the telemedicine system. These technologies help enhance the overall healthcare standard when applied in an integrated way. The primary aim of this study is to perform a systematic literature review of previous research on privacy-preserving methods deployed with blockchain and federated learning for telemedicine. This study provides an in-depth qualitative analysis of relevant studies based on the architecture, privacy mechanisms, and machine learning methods used for data storage, access, and analytics. The survey allows the integration of blockchain and federated learning technologies with suitable privacy techniques to design a secure, trustworthy, and accurate telemedicine model with a privacy guarantee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Hiwale
- Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, India
| | - Rahee Walambe
- Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (SCAAI), Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, India
| | - Vidyasagar Potdar
- Blockchain R&D Lab, School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth 6107, Australia
| | - Ketan Kotecha
- Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (SCAAI), Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, India
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Mills C, Hazeltine K, Zucco A, Phan T, Baker E. Therapist perceptions of barriers to telehealth uptake in children's occupational therapy. Aust Occup Ther J 2023. [PMID: 37127838 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid shift to telehealth implementation across paediatric occupational therapy services. Although telehealth can be an appealing option, access is conditional, and the delivery of a telehealth service differs from face-to-face. If telehealth is to be a viable and equitable option for families, insight is needed into why the service might be declined. The purpose of our study was to explore barriers to paediatric occupational therapy telehealth services from client and therapist perspectives in a Greater Sydney local health district. METHOD A mixed method approach was used, including (i) retrospective review of clinical records for 250 clients seeking occupational therapy who declined the service and (ii) a focus group with four therapists providing the service. Client demographic information was summarised using descriptive statistics. Open-text responses about reasons for declining telehealth were analysed using qualitative content analysis, whereas thematic analysis was used to explore focus group data. FINDINGS Key findings from the mixed methods analysis identified barriers and issues to consider when working to ensure equitable access to telehealth for children and families. These issues included child engagement, family complexity, the nature of assessments, interventions, and overarching service characteristics as well as the family's digital inclusion. Digital inclusion comprises affordable access to the internet, data, and devices and the capacity of a child and/or family to engage online. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that telehealth is not a panacea when face-to-face services are not available. Multiple barriers confounded uptake of telehealth prompting a call to action to ensure equitable access to occupational therapy services for all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Mills
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirralee Hazeltine
- South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annette Zucco
- South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracy Phan
- South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elise Baker
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Transforming Early Education and Child Health (TeEACH), Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Esposito S, Rosafio C, Antodaro F, Argentiero A, Bassi M, Becherucci P, Bonsanto F, Cagliero A, Cannata G, Capello F, Cardinale F, Chiriaco T, Consolaro A, Dessì A, Di Mauro G, Fainardi V, Fanos V, Guarino A, Li Calzi G, Lodi E, Maghnie M, Manfredini L, Malorgio E, Minuto N, Modena MG, Montori R, Moscatelli A, Patrone E, Pescio E, Poeta M, Ravelli A, Spelta M, Suppiej A, Vai S, Villa L, Zanini R, Botti R, Gaddi AV. Use of Telemedicine Healthcare Systems in Pediatric Assistance at Territorial Level: Consensus Document of the Italian Society of Telemedicine (SIT), of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (SIPPS), of the Italian Society of Pediatric Primary Care (SICuPP), of the Italian Federation of Pediatric Doctors (FIMP) and of the Syndicate of Family Pediatrician Doctors (SIMPeF). J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020198. [PMID: 36836432 PMCID: PMC9964859 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Technological innovation can contribute to a reorganization of healthcare, particularly by supporting the shift in the focus of care from the hospital to the territory, through innovative citizen-centered models, and facilitating access to services in the territory. Health and social care delivery modalities, enabled by telemedicine, are crucial in this regard. The objective of this Consensus document, written by the main Italian Scientific Societies involved in the use of telemedicine in pediatrics, is to define a standard for its use at the territorial level in various declinations in the pediatric field; this paper also identifies priority areas for its application and the types of services that most require intervention and investment. The changes that are underway in digital transformation in all sectors are unstoppable, and for the digital transformation to take place in a productive sense, the contribution of not only all health professionals, but also of patients, is necessary. From this perspective, authors from different backgrounds were involved in the drafting of this Consensus and, in the future, other figures, primarily patients, are expected to be involved. In fact, this belongs to the vision of connected care, in which the citizen/patient actively participates in the treatment path so that they are assisted in a personalized, predictive and preventive way. The future scenario must be able to provide for the involvement of patients from the initial stages of planning any treatment path, even in the pediatric age, and increasing, where possible, the proximity of the health service to the families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Alberto Argentiero
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marta Bassi
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giulia Cannata
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Capello
- UO Territorial Pediatrics, Primary Care Department, AUSL Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Cardinale
- UOC of Pediatrics and ED with an Allergy-Pneumological and Immuno-Rheumatological Focus, Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Chiriaco
- Health Department, ASL Roma 3, 00125 Rome, Italy
- General Management, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Consolaro
- Pediatric and Rheumatology Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelica Dessì
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09127 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Fainardi
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09127 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Guarino
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giada Li Calzi
- General Management, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Lodi
- P.A.S.C.I.A. Center (Heart Failure Care Program, Childhood Heart Diseases and Those at Risk), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Polyclinic of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Manfredini
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Minuto
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Modena
- P.A.S.C.I.A. Center (Heart Failure Care Program, Childhood Heart Diseases and Those at Risk), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Polyclinic of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Moscatelli
- UOC Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Patrone
- UOSID Trial Center, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Pescio
- Pediatric and Rheumatology Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Poeta
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Angelo Ravelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Maddalena Spelta
- Pediatric and Rheumatology Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Agnese Suppiej
- Pediatric Clinic, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sergio Vai
- Alma Mater University, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Villa
- UOSID Trial Center, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Renato Botti
- General Management, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Vittorino Gaddi
- Center for Metabolic Diseases and Atherosclerosis, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Nikolova SP, Pancheva-Dimitrova RZ, Yoncheva N, Vasileva V, Cherkezova B. Essential elements of a care delivery model for children with neurological impairments during the COVID-19 pandemic: Notes from Bulgaria. Front Public Health 2022; 10:932847. [PMID: 36033756 PMCID: PMC9413062 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.932847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Silviya Pavlova Nikolova
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Organisation, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria,*Correspondence: Silviya Pavlova Nikolova
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Pollock A, D'Cruz K, Scheinberg A, Botchway E, Harms L, Amor DJ, Anderson V, Bonyhady B, Knight S. Family-centred care for children with traumatic brain injury and/or spinal cord injury: a qualitative study of service provider perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059534. [PMID: 35697462 PMCID: PMC9195152 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 has led to rapid changes in rehabilitation service provision for young people living with traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury. The aim of this project was to understand the experiences of rehabilitation service providers during the acute response stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we aimed to identify innovative approaches to meeting the ongoing needs of young people with traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury during this time. SETTING This study was conducted at a research institute and involved remote interviews with key informants around Australia and internationally. PARTICIPANTS Key informants from 11 services supporting children and/or adolescents with traumatic brain injury and/or spinal cord injury were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three key themes emerged: (1) recognising and responding to the experiences of families during the pandemic, (2) the impact of greater use of telehealth on care delivery, and (3) realising opportunities to enhance family-centred care. CONCLUSIONS These themes capture shifting perspectives and process changes relevant to longer term practice. Research findings suggest opportunities for future service development, enabling service delivery that is more family centred, flexible and efficient in meeting the needs of families. Understanding these experiences and the changed nature of service delivery provides important insights with implications for future service improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pollock
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate D'Cruz
- Department of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam Scheinberg
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Edith Botchway
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise Harms
- Department of Social Work, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics and School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce Bonyhady
- Melbourne Disability Institute, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Knight
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics and School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Logrieco MG, Casula L, Ciuffreda GN, Novello RL, Spinelli M, Lionetti F, Nicolì I, Fasolo M, Giovanni V, Stefano V. Risk and protective factors of quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families during the COVID-19 lockdown. An Italian study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 120:104130. [PMID: 34826776 PMCID: PMC8602998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult period for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families. AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of the quality of life (QoL) of children with ASD and their parents throughout the first lockdown, providing a snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on these families life. METHOD AND PROCEDURES A cohort of 243 parents of children with ASD (2-15 years old) completed an original online survey regarding the modification of ASD cores symptoms during lockdown, the type of interventions they had done before and during lockdown and the activities performed by the child. Respondents filled the PedsQL for themselves and their children. OUTCOME AND RESULTS The data obtained show a worsening of specific ASD core symptoms during lockdown and their role in predicting parents and children's QoL. Furthermore, protective factors for a better children's QoL as the Telehealth intervention, and some activities done at home during the lockdown as physical activity and play with parents are identified. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies the QoL's risk and protective factors for children with ASD and their families. Furthermore, reveals the fundamental role of the parents as children's QoL protective factor, suggesting a higher collaboration between families and health care providers, whilst potentially improving families and children's QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Logrieco
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Laura Casula
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | | | - Roberta Lucia Novello
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | - Maria Spinelli
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Nicolì
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Mirco Fasolo
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imagingand Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Valeri Giovanni
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | - Vicari Stefano
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165 Rome, RM, Italy.
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Liu S, Lombardi J, Fisher PA. The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Households of Young Children With Special Healthcare Needs. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 47:158-170. [PMID: 34957525 PMCID: PMC8755305 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic differently affected households of children with versus without special healthcare needs. We compared caregivers' and children's emotional well-being (Aim 1), the utilization of preventive healthcare services for young children (Aim 2), and the promotive effects of social support on well-being outcomes (Aim 3) during the pandemic between the two groups. METHODS Data were drawn from an ongoing, large, longitudinal, and national survey that assessed the pandemic impact on households of young children (0-5). Analyses for Aims 1 and 2 were based on 10,572 households, among which 10.96% had children with special healthcare needs. Analyses for Aim 3 were based on a subsample of 821 families, among which 12.54% had children with special healthcare needs. RESULTS Caregivers of children with special healthcare needs exhibited more emotional distress and reported higher levels of household children's behavioral problems during the pandemic. The percentages of missed preventive healthcare visits and vaccinations were also higher in families of children with special healthcare needs due to structural barriers. Lastly, emotional social support was indirectly related to children's decreased behavioral problems through caregivers' reduced emotional distress, only among households of children without special healthcare needs. In other words, social support alone was not sufficient in promoting caregivers' and children's better well-being outcomes among households of children with special healthcare needs. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic has caused extensive burdens on families of children with special healthcare needs. Actions from policymakers and early intervention service providers are urgently needed to mitigate these impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihong Liu
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, USA
| | | | - Philip A Fisher
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, USA
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Cancer A, Sarti D, De Salvatore M, Granocchio E, Chieffo DPR, Antonietti A. Dyslexia Telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Rhythm-Based Intervention for Reading. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:1011. [PMID: 34828724 PMCID: PMC8624373 DOI: 10.3390/children8111011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak necessitated a reorganization of the rehabilitation practices for Learning Disorders (LDs). During the lockdown phase, telerehabilitation offered the possibility to continue training interventions while enabling social distancing. Given such an advantage of telerehabilitation methods for LDs, clinical research is still needed to test the effectiveness of diverse teletraining approaches by comparing their outcomes with those of face-to-face interventions. To compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation vs. in-presence rehabilitation of dyslexia, a rhythm-based intervention for reading, called Rhythmic Reading Training (RRT), was tested in a small-scale clinical trial during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty children aged 8-13 with a diagnosis of developmental dyslexia were assigned to either a telerehabilitation or an in-presence rehabilitation setting and received RRT for 10 biweekly sessions of 45 min, supervised by a trained practitioner. The results showed that both telerehabilitation and in-presence rehabilitation were effective in improving reading and rapid automatized naming in children with dyslexia and that the effects were comparable between settings. Therefore, RRT was found to be effective in spite of the administration method (remote or in-presence). These results confirm the potential of telemedicine for the rehabilitation of LDs. Clinical Trial ID: NCT04995471.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cancer
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - Daniela Sarti
- Developmental Neurology Unit—Language and Learning Disorders Service, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.S.); (M.D.S.); (E.G.)
| | - Marinella De Salvatore
- Developmental Neurology Unit—Language and Learning Disorders Service, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.S.); (M.D.S.); (E.G.)
| | - Elisa Granocchio
- Developmental Neurology Unit—Language and Learning Disorders Service, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.S.); (M.D.S.); (E.G.)
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A Multidisciplinary Telerehabilitation Approach for Supporting Social Interaction in Autism Spectrum Disorder Families: An Italian Digital Platform in Response to COVID-19. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111404. [PMID: 34827403 PMCID: PMC8615374 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its complexity and high variability in symptomology, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires a coordinated and multidisciplinary intervention to better support the different programs over time and to promote social interactions in all contexts of life. Telemedicine can offer a valuable contribution in this regard, providing low-cost and portable applications. In this paper, we presented an Italian project, SUPER, which aimed to foster collaboration and information sharing between ASD families, health services, and schools. SUPER provided a digital platform with several tools that were useful both to enhance general and specific ASD knowledge and to promote personalized programs for children with ASD. We conducted a preliminary user test for the platform with 30 participants (18 therapists and 12 parents of children with ASD) using the system usability scale (SUS). The total mean SUS score (89.2) showed that SUPER is an excellent, usable system. Moreover, we extracted the usability and learnability mean components from the SUS scores, which were 96.1 and 61.7, respectively. Our preliminary results indicate that SUPER is a very user-friendly application and its innovative telemedicine approach could be ahelpful communication and collaboration tool among the different contexts of care for children with ASD.
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Menici V, Barzacchi V, Filogna S, Beani E, Tinelli F, Cioni G, Sgandurra G. Tele-Rehabilitation for Postural Control by Means of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System in an Adolescent With Motor Disorder: A Case Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:720677. [PMID: 34721174 PMCID: PMC8551356 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coming of an unforeseen and hostile event such as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about various changes in everyone's daily life. During the lockdown period, a huge number of restrictions were imposed, hence interrupting a wide range of activities previously proven to be necessary for some people. Due to the circumstances, rehabilitation treatments for children with neurodevelopmental disorders have been suspended, resulting in consequent distress for the children themselves and their parents. To overcome this problem, a tele-rehabilitation approach has proven to be an excellent solution to give continuity to children's rehabilitation. The tele-rehabilitation approach allows access to rehabilitation services directly from home. During lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) HomeKit, developed by Khymeia, was employed as a rehabilitation system for the treatment of posture and balance of an adolescent with disabilities for the first time ever. Specifically, a 17-year-old female patient was enrolled and evaluated by the clinical staff before and after the home-training sessions. The system was delivered to the patient's home so that she could perform the tasks in a familiar environment, while under the supervision of the clinical staff. Through a specific platform, using different modules of the system, therapists could remotely check that the proposed exercises were properly performed and provide feedback and/or increase the difficulty according to the patient's needs and progress. Therefore, the treatment performed was carried out at home in a personalized, intensive, and playful way; characteristics do not present in a traditional treatment. Our results are promising and demonstrate both the efficacy of rehabilitation exercises carried out at home and the feasibility of home-based rehabilitation, when using the VRRS HomeKit even with adolescents. The VRRS HomeKit presents some limitations, such as the need to have the line connection and free space at home, the presence of technical issues, and the education of parents and patients to understand the instructions. Despite the limitations, this study provides the basis for continuing the experience of tele-rehabilitation on patients with a motor disorder also by customizing the exercises to their characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Menici
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Veronica Barzacchi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Filogna
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Beani
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Tinelli
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sgandurra
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Wolstencroft J, Hull L, Warner L, Akhtar TN, Mandy W, Skuse D. 'We have been in lockdown since he was born': a mixed methods exploration of the experiences of families caring for children with intellectual disability during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049386. [PMID: 34593495 PMCID: PMC8487017 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents caring for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during the UK national lockdown in spring 2020, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Participants were identified using opportunity sampling from the IMAGINE-ID national (UK) cohort and completed an online survey followed by a semistructured interview. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING Interviews were conducted over the telephone in July 2020 as the first UK lockdown was ending. PARTICIPANTS 23 mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged 5-15 years were recruited. RESULTS Themes reported by parents included: managing pre-existing challenges during a time of extreme change, having mixed emotions about the benefits and difficulties that arose during the lockdown and the need for appropriate, individualised support. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm observations previously found in UK parents of children with IDD and provide new insights on the use of technology during the pandemic for schooling and healthcare, as well as the need for regular check-ins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Wolstencroft
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - Laura Hull
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, England
| | - Lauren Warner
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - Tooba Nadeem Akhtar
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - William Mandy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, England
| | - David Skuse
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
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13
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Provenzi L, Mambretti F, Villa M, Grumi S, Citterio A, Bertazzoli E, Biasucci G, Decembrino L, Falcone R, Gardella B, Longo MR, Nacinovich R, Pisoni C, Prefumo F, Orcesi S, Scelsa B, Giorda R, Borgatti R. Hidden pandemic: COVID-19-related stress, SLC6A4 methylation, and infants' temperament at 3 months. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15658. [PMID: 34341434 PMCID: PMC8329206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a collective trauma that may have enduring stress effects during sensitive periods, such as pregnancy. Prenatal stress may result in epigenetic signatures of stress-related genes (e.g., the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4) that may in turn influence infants' behavioral development. In April 2020, we launched a longitudinal cohort study to assess the behavioral and epigenetic vestiges of COVID-19-related prenatal stress exposure in mothers and infants. COVID-19-related prenatal stress was retrospectively assessed at birth. SLC6A4 methylation was assessed in thirteen CpG sites in mothers and infants' buccal cells. Infants' temperament was assessed at 3-month-age. Complete data were available from 108 mother-infant dyads. Greater COVID-19-related prenatal stress was significantly associated with higher infants' SLC6A4 methylation in seven CpG sites. SLC6A4 methylation at these sites predicted infants' temperament at 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marco Villa
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Barbara Gardella
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Renata Nacinovich
- Università Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Federico Prefumo
- ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.,University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Giorda
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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14
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Reading Skills of Children with Dyslexia Improved Less Than Expected during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8070560. [PMID: 34209810 PMCID: PMC8307205 DOI: 10.3390/children8070560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Following school closures due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, for some months, children received only distance learning. The effects of this approach, however, are not clear for children with dyslexia. We conducted a cross-sectional comparison between children with and without dyslexia after the so-called "lockdown" and a comparison between pre- and post-lockdown parameters in children with dyslexia. We recruited sixty-five children with dyslexia (dyslexia group, DG) from an outpatient facility in Pavia (Lombardy, Italy) and fifty-two children without specific learning disabilities as the control group (CG) from summer camps in the same province. We performed neuropsychological tests to explore reading skills and an ad hoc questionnaire to explore how parents and children had experienced the measures taken to reduce spreading of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Between 59 to 63% of children with dyslexia did not reach the average expected increase of reading skills. According to their parents, they also showed greater social isolation and fewer worries about the pandemic and the school's closure. Our data indicate that children with dyslexia are at increased risk of consequences on their learning potential in case of school closure. They also seem to have a peculiar psychological experience of school closure. Specific interventions should therefore be provided to minimize the risk of negative effects on global development.
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15
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Ueda R, Okada T, Kita Y, Ozawa Y, Inoue H, Shioda M, Kono Y, Kono C, Nakamura Y, Amemiya K, Ito A, Sugiura N, Matsuoka Y, Kaiga C, Kubota M, Ozawa H. Psychological Status Associated With Low Quality of Life in School-Age Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders During COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Period. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:676493. [PMID: 34733180 PMCID: PMC8558384 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.676493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study seeks to ascertain how the COVID-19 stay-at-home period has affected the quality of life (QOL) of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) who had experienced sleep schedules alteration and clarify what psychological status predicted low QOL in children with and without altered sleep patterns. Materials and Methods: Study participants were 86 children between 8 and 17 years of age (mean age, 11.7 years; 70 boys, 16 girls; mean intellectual quotient, 83.6). QOL was evaluated using the self-assessment KINDLR. Participants answered questions regarding depression and anxiety on a visual analog scale (VAS) for temporary mood. Their parents answered questionnaires regarding their maladaptive behaviors and differences in sleep patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The student's t-test was performed to examine the presence or absence of sleep changes in the children, which affected QOL, temporary mood, and maladaptive behaviors. Multiple or simple linear regression analyses were also performed to identify the psychogenic factors that significantly affected decreased QOL for each group with and without changes in sleep schedule. Results: During the COVID-19 stay-at-home period, 46.5% of participants experienced changes in sleep patterns. These changes were associated with decreased QOL as well as internalized symptoms. The decreased QOL of children with sleep patterns changed was predicted by a high level of depression. In addition, low QOL in children with unchanged sleep patterns was predicted by a high level of depression and low current mood status. Conclusions: Almost half of the participants experienced a poor sleep schedule during the stay-at-home period. These alterations in sleep patterns were associated with a low QOL. The QOL of children with a stable life schedule was affected not only by depressive tendencies but also temporary moods. Therefore, they need to live a fulfilling life to maintain their QOL. However, the QOL of children with poor sleep patterns was affected only by depressive tendencies. Hence, clinicians need to ensure that children with NDDs are well-diagnosed with depression and treated for sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyo Ueda
- Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.,Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kita
- Mori Arinori Center for Higher Education and Global Mobility, Hitotsubashi University, Kunitachi, Japan.,Cognitive Brain Research Unit (CBRU), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yuri Ozawa
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Hisami Inoue
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Mutsuki Shioda
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Kono
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Chika Kono
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakamura
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Kaoru Amemiya
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Ai Ito
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Nobuko Sugiura
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Matsuoka
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Chinami Kaiga
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Masaya Kubota
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ozawa
- Department of Child Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Japan
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16
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Provenzi L, Grumi S, Gardani A, Aramini V, Dargenio E, Naboni C, Vacchini V, Borgatti R. Italian parents welcomed a telehealth family-centred rehabilitation programme for children with disability during COVID-19 lockdown. Acta Paediatr 2021; 110:194-196. [PMID: 33098116 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
| | - Alice Gardani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
| | - Valentina Aramini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
| | - Erika Dargenio
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
| | - Cecilia Naboni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
| | - Valeria Vacchini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation Pavia Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science University of Pavia Pavia Italy
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17
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Grumi S, Provenzi L, Gardani A, Aramini V, Dargenio E, Naboni C, Vacchini V, Borgatti R. Rehabilitation services lockdown during the COVID-19 emergency: the mental health response of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 43:27-32. [PMID: 33167738 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1842520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study investigated the impact of the COVID-19-related rehabilitation services lockdown on the mental health of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. METHODS Between 26 March and 11 May 2020, 84 caregivers filled out ad-hoc and standardized questionnaires through an online survey in order to measure their psychological response to the emergency and lockdown as well as their levels of parenting stress, anxiety and depression. RESULTS Worries about COVID-19 contagion and concerns for the child left without rehabilitation programs were the greatest sources of mental health burden for caregivers. Nonetheless, only the concerns for the child were significantly associated with caregivers' reports of stress, depressive and anxious symptoms. DISCUSSION These findings highlight the burden faced by caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities during the COVID-19 emergency in Italy. These families should be considered as a high-risk population that requires dedicated healthcare attention, such as promoting continuity of care by investing in tele-rehabilitation programs. Implications for rehabilitation Caregivers of children with disability reported symptoms of anxiety and depression during COVID-19 emergency. Major concerns regarded COVID-19 contagion risk and child development during rehabilitation lockdown. Caregivers' psychological symptoms were associated with concerns for child development during the lockdown. Parents of children with disability may face relevant stress during and after COVID-19 psychological burden. During COVID-19 recovery, policy-makers and clinicians should dedicate specific care actions for families of children with disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Grumi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alice Gardani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Aramini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Erika Dargenio
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Naboni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Vacchini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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18
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Conti E, Chericoni N, Costanzo V, Lasala R, Mancini A, Prosperi M, Tancredi R, Muratori F, Calderoni S, Apicella F. Moving Toward Telehealth Surveillance Services for Toddlers at Risk for Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:565999. [PMID: 33424652 PMCID: PMC7793978 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.565999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2016, the project "Early Bird Diagnostic Protocol for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)" funded by the Italian Ministry of Health has been operative at IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris (FSM), Pisa (IT), with the main aim of developing early age-specific diagnostic protocols by longitudinally enrolling two different populations at risk for ASD: (i) toddlers with older siblings with ASD (FR) and (ii) toddlers referred by a child psychiatrist or pediatrician for suspected ASD (CR). On January 30, 2020, when the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), 136 patients (85 FR; 51 CR; 93 males; 43 females) had been enrolled in the project with 324 completed time points and 64 still missing. Considering both the huge psychological burden on families with toddlers at risk for ASD during the lockdown and the longitudinal studies reporting the positive "surveillance effect" in terms of a better outcome in at-risk toddlers, our priority has been to maintain regular contact and support to enrolled families. To do this, the research team, being authorized for smart-working research activities, has set up a detailed remote surveillance protocol (RSP). The RSP includes three online interviews and one online video registration of parent-child play. In the current community case study, the authors report the telehealth procedure and discuss possible future directions in developing remote assessment and new evaluation modalities for ecological parent-child play video recordings in at-risk populations. Hopefully, the surveillance protocol will further improve our ability to detect risk and activate early tailored intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Conti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Natasha Chericoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Costanzo
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Lasala
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Mancini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Apicella
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
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