Zooming Toward a Telehealth Solution for Vulnerable Children with Obesity During Coronavirus Disease 2019

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Health inequities contribute to disparities in obesity and related complications.
• Obesity and its comorbidities are linked to increased coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality.
• Urgent need for obesity reduction strategies, especially for children, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a telehealth pediatric weight management collaborative during COVID-19.
• To highlight the need for remote interventions to mitigate worsening health disparities in vulnerable children with obesity.
• To identify challenges in delivering telehealth for pediatric weight management to underserved populations.

Main Methods:

• A telehealth pediatric weight management collaborative was established in New York City.
• The collaborative involved multiple institutions, including NewYork-Presbyterian, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Weill Cornell Medicine.
• Show rates for the telehealth program ranged from 76% to 89%.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of a telehealth pediatric weight management program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Demonstrated feasibility with high show rates (76%-89%) in a collaborative setting.
• Identified critical challenges for equitable telehealth delivery.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth offers a viable approach for pediatric weight management, particularly during public health crises.
• Addressing barriers such as digital access, language, and socioeconomic factors is essential for equitable care.
• Remote interventions are crucial to prevent the exacerbation of obesity-related health disparities in vulnerable children.