5 Tips for Preparing Your Child for a Telemedicine Visit

April 9, 2020 by Next Step 4 ADHD ADHD / ADD, Children, Telehealth, Therapy 0 comments

In an effort to flatten the curve and reduce the transmission of COVID-19, healthcare professionals across the country are relying more heavily on telehealth. Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, we are proud to offer a variety of services through telehealth – and not just for adults. Children with ADHD don’t have to miss their sessions due to social isolation.

If your child has experience with FaceTime or Skype, he already has a good idea of what a telehealth session is like. Still, the idea of a virtual appointment can be intimidating for some children. If your child is scheduled for an upcoming virtual appointment, it’s a good idea to prepare your child ahead of time.

How to Have a Successful Telehealth Sessions

Here are 5 tips to make the transition from in-person visits to online sessions as seamless as possible.

1. Know what type of session your child is having

At Next Step 4 ADHD, your child can receive a variety of services remotely. This includes:

New patient diagnosis
ADHD screenings
Medication management
Talk therapy
CBT
Coaching
Education
Support

When you know what type of service your child is receiving, it’s easier to answer his or her questions.

Reminder: Telehealth sessions are for non-life-threatening visits. If your child is experiencing a serious mental health crisis or another emergency, call 9-1-1 or visit the closest emergency room.

2. Gather important information before the session starts

Before your appointment begins, make sure you have:

A list of your children’s current medications
Your child’s medical history, including allergies, weight, and any previous diagnoses
A list of questions that your child has (if any)

Depending on what type of session your child is having, you might want to write down a list of concerning symptoms that you want to address. Be prepared to answer a variety of questions, including how the symptoms have been occurring, when the symptoms are most severe, and any other related details.

3. Find the perfect location

This is one of the most important steps to having a successful telehealth session. The ideal location is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. Consider setting up on the dining room table or in a den. The camera should be eye-level for your child.

If you have pets or other children, make sure they are situated elsewhere so you can focus on the session too.

4. Start with an introduction

You might have a telehealth session with a therapist or pediatrician that you’ve seen dozens of times. But if your child is seeing a new provider, you’ll start with introductions. Let your child know ahead of time if he’ll be meeting a new doctor so he can prepare mentally for the meeting. During the meeting, one of our providers will start by sharing his or her name and title. At this time, encourage your child to introduce himself too! After your child introduces himself, you’ll be asked to confirm a few details too. You’ll already have completed a treatment consent form, but you’ll still confirm your child’s name, date of birth, etc.

Tip: If your child is nervous (which is normal!), practice introductions beforehand!

5. Know your next steps

Before your child’s telehealth session ends, make sure you understand the provider’s diagnosis, instructions, and/or advice. Keep a notepad handy so you can take notes during the session, if needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification! We want to make sure your session is valuable and helpful.

Remember… We Are Here for You Too!

Working at home and doing school work at home is new to many families. During this adjustment period, it’s normal for kids to feel scared or nervous. Let your child know that we are here to help! We have created several resources and programs to help parents create learning environments at home.

Questions? We’re Just a Call or Click Away

At NextStep 4 ADHD, we’re happy to provide comprehensive care for ADHD — for you and your children. If your child has ADHD, we don’t want him or her to miss out on valuable sessions. Whether you’re interested in receiving a diagnosis, therapy for your child, or other services, we are here to make sure your telehealth experience is successful. Give us a call or send us a message to request more information.

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