Survey of paediatric telehealth benefits from the caregiver perspective

Objective. This study determined caregivers' evaluations of telehealth consultations for their child, preference over in-person consultations and potential cost savings by child condition, family socioeconomic status and location. Methods. A survey was conducted of 2436 caregivers attending a telehealth consultation with their child for a broad group of conditions between 3 June and 25 August 2020 at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Results. Most caregivers found telehealth consultations convenient, acceptable, safe and private, and capable of answering their questions and concerns. However, caregivers who spoke a language other than English and patients attending for behavioural and mental health, developmental or other (e.g. allied health) concerns were more likely to prefer in-person consultations over telehealth. Mean (+/- s.d.) reported cost savings on caregiver time were A$144.98 +/- 99.04 per family per consultation, whereas mean (+/- s.d.) transport cost savings were A$84.90 +/- 100.74 per family per consultation. Cost savings were greatest for families living in low and middle socioeconomic areas and regional or rural areas. Conclusions. Paediatric telehealth video consultations were largely viewed favourably by caregivers, except for those attending for behavioural and mental health or developmental concerns.

Automated summary

Most caregivers evaluated telehealth consultations for their child positively, finding them convenient, safe, and effective in addressing their concerns. However, caregivers who spoke a language other than English and patients attending for behavioral and mental health, developmental, or other concerns were more likely to prefer in-person consultations.