Use of Telehealth to Enhance Care in a Family-Centered Childhood Obesity Intervention. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bala, Natasha; Price, Sarah N.; Horan, Chrissy M.; Gerber, Monica W.; Taveras, Elsie M.
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 58:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 789
• Page End: 797
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: telehealth -- children -- obesity -- video call -- text message -- GIS; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922819837371
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

Family-centered childhood obesity interventions have been found to be effective. We describe the use of telehealth for tailored behavior change support in a family-centered randomized trial. Children of 2 to 12 years with body mass index ≥85th percentile were randomized to Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Enhanced Primary Care + Coaching (EPC + C). EPC + C received 6 health coach visits (in-person or by video or phone call) over 1 year. Telehealth modalities included interactive text messaging, video calls, and an online community resource map. There were 360 children randomized to the EPC + C arm; 87% of parents completed ≥1 health coaching contacts. Overall, 93% parents were sent text messages of which 99% responded at least once. About 72% parents were very satisfied with the message content and 97% were satisfied with information provided about community health resources. The high level of participant engagement and satisfaction suggests that telehealth is feasible and acceptable in family-centered childhood obesity programs.