Enhancing Pediatric Long COVID Care Through Telementoring: Insights From an ECHO Program.

Abstract

Long COVID affects a significant number of children, yet clinician knowledge gaps and limited access to specialized care hinder effective management. With fewer than 20 pediatric long COVID clinics in the United States, many families must travel long distances for care. To address these challenges, a pediatric long COVID ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) program was developed to educate health care professionals on evidence-based care. The program engaged 94 participants from the United States and Canada via weekly tele-education sessions, recruited through word of mouth and professional listservs. Pre-surveys (41% response rate) and post-surveys (29% response rate) were sent to attendees. Participants reported statistically significant improvements in knowledge, confidence, competence, and self-efficacy (P < 0.001). This program represents a valuable initiative to facilitate timely interventions and empower primary care and community providers in diagnosing, treating, and managing long COVID in pediatric populations.