Multidisciplinary Telehealth for Pediatric Developmental and Mental Health Care in Rural and Remote Australia: Interview Study Among Caregivers and Service Providers

Background: Geography and socioeconomic disadvantage impede access to appropriate services for rural and remote-dwelling children with complex developmental and mental health needs. Telehealth offers opportunities to increase access to essential health and well-being services for people with complex needs who live in rural and remote areas, whose experiences of mental ill-health are frequently compounded by social marginalization and economic disadvantage. Objective: This study aimed to describe caregivers' and service providers' perspectives on the challenges and value of telehealth services for rural and remote children by drawing on experiences within a specialist service (Royal Far West; RFW) that provides mental and developmental health services to rural and remote-dwelling children and families in Australia. Methods: Participants included a convenience sample of caregivers of children who use RFW services (n=11) and service providers from RFW (n=21). Deidentified interview transcript data were analyzed thematically using framework analysis. Results: Caregivers were generally enthusiastic about telehealth but acknowledged potential technological limitations and challenges to effectively engaging some children. While acknowledging its value and importance, RFW service providers identified additional challenges with providing telehealth, such as limited capacity for some detailed clinical assessments and potential child and family risk and safety issues. Conclusions: Telehealth remains a vital option within multidisciplinary services to improve access and outcomes for children in rural and remote communities who present with complex mental and developmental health needs. Despite challenges, rural and remote caregivers and RFW service providers identified telehealth as a beneficial, accessible, and effective component of multidisciplinary care for children with complex mental and developmental health needs. These caregiver and service provider perspectives will inform ongoing service development, research, and advocacy.