Telehealth of Infants at Risk During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Physical Therapists' and Caregiver's Perceptions and Costs.

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to describe telehealth used to detect infants at risk of neurodevelopmental delay and assess the assessors' and caregivers' perceptions and costs.

Methods: This was an observational study in which five physical therapists applied the General Movement Assessment, the neurological exam based on the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale via telehealth in 65 infants at risk of neurologic delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. The perceptions of assessors and caregivers were assessed using a questionnaire. We tabulated the family's costs (internet access) and the therapist's expenses (internet access and professional fees).

Results: In general, assessors felt comfortable and reported good quality of teleassessment. They highlighted the significant effort they and caregivers required for synchronous methods, challenges in clearly guiding caregivers on infant positioning, difficulties in adjusting the camera's position, and unstable internet connections. Most assessors expressed a willingness to continue using telehealth. Caregivers displayed high satisfaction, and the costs were minimal.

Conclusion: Teleassessment during the COVID-19 pandemic was feasible, although implementing this method of health service in general clinical practice still requires further scrutiny.