Paediatric cardiology consultations by videoconference during COVID-19 [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of paediatric cardiology consultations by videoconference for babies and children with congenital heart disease in Northern Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic using the PEXIP platform.
IRAS ID
285493
Contact name
Marlene Sinclair
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of videoconferencing using PEXIP virtual meeting room software for home based paediatric cardiology consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The videoconference consultations (VCs) will take place with children who have congenital heart disease and are aged up to 16 years (including their parents/carers) who are attending the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The project primary outcome will be the number of unscheduled attendances or admissions to hospital of children who have had VCs. Routinely collected clinical data for each child will be collected for research purposes. This will be the first time many children will have experienced VC, and thus acceptability and adoption of the technology by their parents and clinicians will be analysed. Prior to and following the first, fourth and eighth scheduled VC, parents will be asked to complete online questionnaires, adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, regarding their experience and acceptance of PEXIP. Clinicians will also be asked to complete similar questionnaires regarding their acceptance of PEXIP at three time points. The quality of the VC interface will be rated from parent's and clinician’s perspective following the VCs. Where possible and with the child’s assent and parental consent, children and parent's will be asked to share their experiences with the UU research team via video call following three VCs arranged for a time suitable to them. In addition, parents will be invited to share their thoughts and experiences in a project specific, secret Facebook group.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EE/0190
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion