Telehealth Interventions Aimed at Parents and Caregivers of Children Living in Rural Settings: A Systematic Review

Abstract

In recent years, and especially due to COVID-19, a large number of telehealth interventions have been implemented. The large amount of information requires a differential analysis with an emphasis on rurality and the practice of parents/caregivers in the care and attention of children. The objectives of this study were to synthesize the available evidence on telehealth interventions aimed at parents and caregivers of children living in rural settings, and to identify relevant methodological aspects that are considered in such interventions. A systematic review was conducted in the Medline (Ovid), Embase, Scopus, APA—PSYCNET, Web of Science and LILACS databases. Studies published between 2000 and 2020 were considered. A narrative synthesis of the main results of the studies was performed, including basic characteristics, details of the interventions, and the main outcome measures. The quality of the studies included was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. A total of 596 potential studies were identified, of which only nine were included. Quality assessment was consistent in all nine studies. Parents and caregivers of children with speech and language impairment, motor impairment or problems in performing activities of daily living, with behavior problems, and with autism spectrum disorder were the main populations groups benefiting from the interventions. Telehealth interventions were implemented by means of online sessions, pre-recorded sessions and self-learning modules, among others. Results, although variable, evidence positive outcomes regarding the development of multiple skills in children, their parents and family members, as well as the opportunity to provide timely access to health services. Finally, Telehealth is increasingly becoming a useful tool to provide counsel and knowledge to parents and caregivers living in rural areas that will enable them to properly manage health problems. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Child Care in Practice is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)