Margaret Curtin

Telehealth is an emerging approach that uses technology to provide healthcare remotely. Recent publications have outlined the importance of supporting the transition to self‐management of adolescents with allergic conditions. However, no synthesis of the evidence base on the use and impact of telehealth interventions for this purpose has been conducted to date. This review achieves these aims, in addition to exploring the language use surrounding these interventions, and their implementation. Four databases were searched systematically. References were independently screened by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Eighteen articles were included, reporting on 15 telehealth interventions. A total of 86% targeted adolescents with asthma. Mobile applications were the most common telehealth modality used, followed by video‐conferencing, web‐based, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Five intervention content categories were identified; educational, monitoring, behavioural, psychosocial and healthcare navigational. Peer and/or healthcare professional interaction, gamification and tailoring may increase engagement. The studies showed positive effects of the interventions or no difference from active controls, in self‐management outcomes such as knowledge, health outcomes such as quality‐of‐life, and economic outcomes such as healthcare utilization. The most common implementation outcomes reported were acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and fidelity.

Parent experiences of child health services can be used to understand their value and optimise the support provision to families during critical developmental periods. A gap in the literature exists regarding parental perspectives of linked child development supports, particularly in disadvantaged areas. This study examined parent experiences of the impact and value of a community paediatric clinic (Kidscope) with linked, multi-agency supports in a disadvantaged area of Ireland. Using a qualitative analysis design, 10 parents participated in one-to-one interviews. A Community Advisory Group consulted on interview schedules. Data was thematically analysed in line with Braun & Clarke’s Framework. Five themes and twenty-two sub-themes emerged. Kidscope’s linked, multi-agency approach was valuable for engaging families, addressing developmental delay, supporting readiness for education, and developing parent–child relationships. Relational working and a child and family centred model of care empowered parents to become active agents in children’s health. Coronavirus disease 2019, national deficits in healthcare, and staff turnover impeded service delivery. Kidscope and linked supports work in partnership to disrupt the impact exclusion from healthcare has on vulnerable children and families. This study provides evidence of an effective integrated paediatric service delivery model designed around vulnerable children and families and highlights areas for improvement.