Presenter Status

Resident/Ph.D/Post graduate (> 1 month of dedicated research time)

Abstract Type

Research

Primary Mentor

Rebecca M. Rentea

Start Date

15-5-2024 11:30 AM

End Date

15-5-2024 1:30 PM

Presentation Type

Poster-Restricted Access

Description

Background:

Recent trends in pediatric surgery have seen a notable transition to telehealth (TH) services, moving away from traditional face-to-face interactions. This shift has widened the reach of healthcare services, potentially enhancing affordability, patient and parent contentment, and overall clinical outcomes. Embraced by a vast majority of caregivers, this move towards telehealth has been particularly implemented in pediatric colorectal surgery through the establishment of remote bowel management programs (BMP) catering to patients with constipation and fecal incontinence.

Objectives/Goal:

To assess the effectiveness and impact of virtual bowel management programs (BMPs) in pediatric colorectal surgery.

Methods/Design:

We conducted a detailed systematic examination of virtual BMPs within the pediatric colorectal patient population, in relevant original studies dated from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023, across MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane databases. Selection of articles for review was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the chosen studies thoroughly examined (as depicted in Figure 1).

Results:

Inclusion criteria were met by four studies. The BMPs were administered remotely through video conferencing and/or telephone consultations, with some cases involving an initial face-to-face clinical visit. The digital format of these programs was linked to more than a 75% satisfaction level among participating families, with a noted preference for virtual sessions over physical visits in scenarios devoid of emergent clinical concerns. Notable outcomes from the virtual BMPs included significant enhancements in both Vancouver and Baylor score assessments, and a reduction in the duration of multidisciplinary consultations. Moreover, there were no significant differences in change in pediatric quality of life indicators, Cleveland scores, or the frequency of laxative treatments when compared to in-person consultations. The use of TH technology in these programs facilitated patient-led management, enabling regular fine-tuning of treatment plans and prompt distribution of medical supplies and medications.

Conclusions:

Implementing a virtual BMP for children with colorectal conditions presents a viable option to traditional in-person BMPs. It is linked with high levels of satisfaction among caregivers, better clinical results, and promotes autonomy in patient care.

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May 15th, 11:30 AM May 15th, 1:30 PM

Telehealth Delivery of Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Background:

Recent trends in pediatric surgery have seen a notable transition to telehealth (TH) services, moving away from traditional face-to-face interactions. This shift has widened the reach of healthcare services, potentially enhancing affordability, patient and parent contentment, and overall clinical outcomes. Embraced by a vast majority of caregivers, this move towards telehealth has been particularly implemented in pediatric colorectal surgery through the establishment of remote bowel management programs (BMP) catering to patients with constipation and fecal incontinence.

Objectives/Goal:

To assess the effectiveness and impact of virtual bowel management programs (BMPs) in pediatric colorectal surgery.

Methods/Design:

We conducted a detailed systematic examination of virtual BMPs within the pediatric colorectal patient population, in relevant original studies dated from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023, across MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane databases. Selection of articles for review was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the chosen studies thoroughly examined (as depicted in Figure 1).

Results:

Inclusion criteria were met by four studies. The BMPs were administered remotely through video conferencing and/or telephone consultations, with some cases involving an initial face-to-face clinical visit. The digital format of these programs was linked to more than a 75% satisfaction level among participating families, with a noted preference for virtual sessions over physical visits in scenarios devoid of emergent clinical concerns. Notable outcomes from the virtual BMPs included significant enhancements in both Vancouver and Baylor score assessments, and a reduction in the duration of multidisciplinary consultations. Moreover, there were no significant differences in change in pediatric quality of life indicators, Cleveland scores, or the frequency of laxative treatments when compared to in-person consultations. The use of TH technology in these programs facilitated patient-led management, enabling regular fine-tuning of treatment plans and prompt distribution of medical supplies and medications.

Conclusions:

Implementing a virtual BMP for children with colorectal conditions presents a viable option to traditional in-person BMPs. It is linked with high levels of satisfaction among caregivers, better clinical results, and promotes autonomy in patient care.