Pandemic intake questionnaire to improve quality, effectiveness, and efﬁciency of outpatient neurologic and developmental care at the Kennedy Krieger institute during the COVID-19 pandemic

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.934558 · Published: October 6, 2022

Simple Explanation

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on patients with neurologic and developmental disabilities. These patients are at increased risk of co-morbidities, disruptions in routines, and restrictions in accessing healthcare services. A pre-visit questionnaire was implemented to quickly assess areas of impact of COVID-19 on patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, identifying populations at increased risk for behavioral changes, sleep disruptions, and medical care disruptions. Most program directors reported that the questionnaire improved patient care, with providers increasing availability of in-person and virtual therapies and making referrals for additional care.

Study Duration

May 2020 through December 2020

Participants

1643 guardians of pediatric patients (mean age 9.5 years, range 0–21.6 years)

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
Guardians of patients in more medically complicated clinics reported a perceived increased risk of COVID-19 and difficulty obtaining therapies and surgeries.
2
Guardian responses from the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) had increased reports of worsening behavior.
3
Five out of six program directors who received the responses to this survey found this questionnaire helpful in caring for their patients.

Research Summary

This study implemented a pre-visit Pandemic Intake questionnaire to assess the impact of COVID-19 on patients with neurodevelopmental disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The questionnaire identified major areas of impact, including increased risk for behavioral changes, sleep disruptions, and medical care disruptions, particularly in medically complicated clinics and the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Most program directors reported improved patient care as a result of the questionnaire, leading to increased availability of therapies and referrals for additional care.

Practical Implications

Improved Patient Care

The Pandemic Intake questionnaire helped providers quickly assess COVID-19 related concerns, leading to more informed and effective care.

Resource Allocation

The findings can help allocate resources to address specific areas of impact, such as mental health support for patients with autism and increased access to therapies for medically complicated patients.

Pandemic Preparedness

The approach and questionnaire can be adapted for future pandemics to systematically collect information and improve care for vulnerable populations.

Study Limitations

1
Differences in questionnaire dissemination across programs may have impacted participation.
2
Families with infrequent access to email and non-English speaking families may have been less likely to participate.
3
The cross-sectional design limits understanding of implementation over time during the pandemic.

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