A telehealth intervention that provided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to at-risk caregivers of children on home ventilation improved emotional functioning in several domains. Researchers published their findings in Child: Care, Health and Development.

“There is an urgent need for support of parents with technology-dependent children,” wrote investigators from Boston Children’s Hospital in Massachusetts and Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia. “Research shows that the parents of children whose chronic illness requires assisted technology experience significant emotional stress, potential gaps in social isolation, and social isolation leading to lower quality of life, unhealthy family functioning, and negative psychological consequences.”

According to the study, the telehealth CBT intervention significantly eased anxiety, depression, and fatigue among caregivers. The improvements were sustained at a 4-week follow-up visit.

However, caregivers showed no significant changes in social isolation after the intervention.

Cognitive Impairment Assessment Via Telehealth Found Reliable

“Although the intervention did not improve self-reported social isolation, using technology in combination with established psychological support is an efficient way to better equip our mental health intervention systems to serve vulnerable populations,” researchers advised.

Reference

Muñeton-Castaño YF, Hull JH, Graham RJ. Tele-mental health intervention for caregivers of children on home ventilation: a randomized control trial. Child Care Health Dev. Published online August 5, 2021. doi: 10.1111/cch.12905