Goal is to increase access to health care for vulnerable pediatric populations in response to COVID-19.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) received a $6 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau through the 2020 CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security). They have invited the Institute for Innovation and Implementation at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (SSW) to partner with them to increase access to telehealth and improve telehealth infrastructure in response to COVID-19.
The overall goal of the grant is to improve access to health care for vulnerable pediatric populations in response to COVID-19.
“The institute is thrilled to be asked to partner with AAP to inform practice in this challenging time of COVID as a subject matter expert. This work will serve to improve the delivery of telehealth and distant care services for children and adolescents.” said Michelle Zabel, SSW assistant dean and institute executive director.
In support of AAP’s work on this project, the institute will help identify needs, gaps, and promising practices in the delivery of telehealth by all practitioners serving youth; develop a series of online learning modules, videos, and educational resources to expand capacity among clinicians and caregivers to access, provide, and participate in telehealth and distant care services; and contribute to dissemination and promotion plans for the materials developed.