High Adherence and Compliance Rates for Medications Prescribed During Online Neuropediatric Clinics

While the use of telemedicine in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was previously studied there is limited evidence regarding adherence and compliance.

We reviewed clinical records for prescription requests of medication prescribed during online clinics.

Seventy-eight children (age 10.9, SD 3.2 years; 40 girls, 38 boys) visited Maacabi Online Neuropediatric clinic in Ariel (Oct 2015-Nov 2017); 78 first visits, 44 follow-up visits. First visit approximately lasted 55 minutes including technical time.

The main diagnosis was ADD/ADHD (41/78, 53%), followed by behavioral/ emotional issues (11/78, 14%), Headaches/ Migraines (9/78, 12%), learning disabilities (8/78, 10%), seizures/ epilepsy (4/78, 5%) and others (5/78, 6%).

Medication was recommended for 29/41 (71%) children with ADD/ADHD. DSM scores were higher for children for whom medication was recommended (Inattention 6.4, SD 2.5, Hyperactivity/ impulsivity 4.4, SD 3.2 vs 4.6,SD 1.5 and 1.9, SD1.9; p=0.47 and 0.02 respectively). All children for whom medication was recommended requested medication prescription from the pediatrician (as it could not be prescribed digitally). Most children (24/29, 83%) continued to request medication prescription and (14/24,58%) returned for neurological follow- up.

While adherence and compliance rates are high in tele-neurology clinics further controlled studies are needed to assess additional benefits of accessible care.