RESUMO
Identifying issues in early childhood enables timely interventions, potentially mitigating future mental health risks. In this context, this study seeks to validate the model of Preschool Pediatric Symptom Checklist for detecting social and emotional challenges among Chilean preschoolers, as reported by their caregivers. In the first stage, 36 cognitive interviews using the published Spanish version of the PPSC were conducted with caregivers, parents and/or teachers of preschool aged children, so that they could review the questions and be sure that they understood them. In stage 2, 12 experts checked the questions for coherence and consistency. As a result, only one item was slightly modified. Then, 1009 preschool caregivers answered the preliminary version of the Chilean-adapted scale (PPSC-CL). Taking into account the minor changes incorporated in the scale, and using latent variable analysis techniques, it was possible to obtain evidence of validity for the four-factor structure of the PPSC-CL. Additionally, by using the questions about children's difficulties, a robust bifactor model was established, highlighting the presence of a general factor whose items have a specific component that sustain the existence of latent dimensions for internalizing, externalizing, and attentional problems. Thanks to this advancement, it will now be possible to identify and report the occurrence of global mental health challenges in preschool-aged children.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the use of telehealth in developmental behavioral pediatric (DBP) fellowship-affiliated practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. METHODS: An electronic survey was disseminated to all DBP fellowship-associated practice locations to determine the use of telehealth in DBP care provision, before and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed responses using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 35 of 42 eligible practice sites responded (83% response rate). Most sites (51.4%) reported using telehealth less than once per month before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the onset of COVID-19, 100% of programs reported conducting video-based telehealth visits multiple days per week. Most sites reported conducting evaluations and follow-up visits for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral concerns, developmental delay, genetic disorders, and learning disability. Most sites were able to continue medication management by telehealth (>88%), offer interpreter services for families with limited English proficiency participating in telehealth visits (>90%), and incorporate trainees and interdisciplinary team members in telehealth visits (>90%). Greater variability was observed in sites' ability to collect telehealth practice evaluation measures. CONCLUSION: Most sites are providing evaluations and ongoing care for DBP conditions through telehealth. The rapid adoption of telehealth can have ramifications for the way that DBP care is delivered in the future; therefore, it is imperative to understand current practice patterns and variations to determine the best use of telehealth.