Abstract Details

Title Perceptions About the Role of Tele-Health in Treating Pediatric Epilepsy

Topic Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology (EEG)

Presentation(s) P6 - Poster Session 6 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 9-010

Objective

To compare the perceptions about the future of telehealth utilization in a cohort of pediatric epilepsy providers.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an unprecedented growth of telehealth services; however, it continues to evolve and is fraught with many uncertainties.

Design/Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey study in 2021 and 2024 in collaboration with the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC), Telehealth Special Interest Group. The survey was distributed electronically and anonymously via REDCap from 09/2021 to 02/2022 and from 06/2024 to 08/2024. Topics included, equity, advantages and barriers of using telehealth, physician wellness, and practice patterns.

Results

The 2021 survey was completed by 29 providers and 53 providers completed the 2024 survey. Compared to phone visits, there was a significant increase of centers using only video visits from 2021 (41.4%) to 2024 (67.9%). Both surveys identified, school related concerns and seizure action plans as the most discussed topics during telehealth visits. Reviewing test results and discussing change in treatment plan increased in 2024 (92.5% and 96.2%) compared to 2021 (48.3% and 79.3%). Both surveys indicated difficulty with audio/visual connection and digital literacy of patient/family as major barriers to telehealth. More providers agreed telehealth provided equitable health care in 2024 (83%) versus 2021 (51.7%). In 2021, 62.1% of providers were aware of state laws around parity for telehealth versus in 2024 (30.2%). In 2024, three main advantages of telehealth identified were 1) removal of transportation barriers, 2) better resource utilization and 3) increased ease of access for patients/families with children with disability. Fewer providers viewed lack of infrastructure as a barrier in 2024 (11.3%) compared to 2021 (32%).

Conclusions

Telehealth continues to be an important method of care delivery for pediatric patients with epilepsy post- COVID.

Authors/Disclosures
Gogi Kumar, MD (Dayton Children's Hospital) PRESENTER	Dr. Kumar has nothing to disclose.
Laura Fonseca (Dayton Children's Hospital)	Laura Fonseca has nothing to disclose.
Elissa Yozawitz, MD	Dr. Yozawitz has nothing to disclose.
Charuta N. Joshi, MBBS, MCSC, CSCN(EEG)	Dr. Joshi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Longboard Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Joshi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Praxis. The institution of Dr. Joshi has received research support from Jazz pharmaceuticals. Dr. Joshi has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Joshi has a non-compensated relationship as a Board of Directors with PERC that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Joshi has a non-compensated relationship as a Scientific Advisor with CCC that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Joshi has a non-compensated relationship as a treasurer with ICNA that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
Clare Skora, MD	The institution of an immediate family member of Dr. Skora has received research support from National Science Foundation. An immediate family member of Dr. Skora has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. An immediate family member of Dr. Skora has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care.
Nassim Zecavati, MD, FAAN (Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University)	Dr. Zecavati has nothing to disclose.
Sucheta M. Joshi, MD	No disclosure on file
Elizabeth A. Ng, MD, FAAP, FAANEM, FACNS, FAES (Connecticut Children's Medical Center)	Dr. Ng has nothing to disclose.

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