Improvise, Adapt, Overcome: How COVID-19 Transformed Inpatient Pediatric Gastroenterology

Daphne S Say1,2, Sabina Ali3,4, Arvind Srinath5,6

  • 1University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|September 6, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred innovation in pediatric gastroenterology. Telehealth technologies can enhance family communication and multidisciplinary care for pediatric GI services.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Health Services Research
  • Telemedicine

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted inpatient pediatric services nationwide.
  • This disruption created a need for innovative healthcare delivery models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on inpatient pediatric gastroenterology services.
  • To identify physician adaptations and the role of telehealth in pediatric GI care during the crisis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of insights from a webinar featuring the Telehealth for Pediatric GI Care Now working group.
  • Discussion of experiences and adaptations of physicians in pediatric gastroenterology.

Main Results:

  • The pandemic necessitated significant changes in the delivery of inpatient pediatric gastroenterology care.
  • Telehealth technologies demonstrated potential to improve family communication and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions:

  • Innovative telehealth applications can support pediatric gastroenterology services during public health emergencies.
  • Telehealth is expected to become an integral part of future gastroenterology practice, enhancing patient care and communication.

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