Preparing infant and toddler patients for telehealth
Preparation is important for caregivers, patients, and members of your health care team.
On this page:
Before the visit
The following steps are helpful to prepare the patient’s caregiver for the telehealth visit:
- Instructions. Before the visit, provide the caregiver with instructions on how to access the telehealth visit. This includes directions on any software or apps that need to be downloaded in advance. Instructions should cover information on ensuring good lighting, finding a quiet space, and minimizing background noise. Providing resources and tutorials on using the telehealth platform, preparing for a virtual visit, and assisting in remote examinations will increase the likelihood of a successful visit.
- Overview. For parents or caregivers new to telehealth, a short list or video describing the visit and what the patient will need may be helpful. This can be used to inform parents what the child should wear (loose fitting clothes), whether the parent should have anything on hand (like a thermometer), what activities the child will be asked to do (for example, a toddler may be asked to hold a crayon and draw a line to assess fine motor skills), and the types of questions you are likely to ask the caregiver (for example, the child’s eating habits).
- Test run. It is always a good idea to have a member of the care team do a quick test run with the caregiver to make sure that they are comfortable using the technology and know how to operate features such as the speaker, camera, and volume controls.
- Health history. Caregivers should have relevant medical records about the child that they can reference during the visit. This may include vaccinations and any side effects, current and past medications, and information about the child’s birth (such as whether it was full term, the birth weight, and size).
- Current status. If possible, you may want to have caregivers measure the height, weight, and temperature of the child before the start of the visit.
- List of questions. Caregivers should be instructed to write down any questions, concerns, or observations about the child in advance of the visit.
- Notetaking. Caregivers should also write down guidance from the provider during the visit.
Tip: Screen for technology skills and communication preferences before the virtual visit.
During the visit
Following these recommendations will contribute to a more productive visit:
- Calm demeanor. The parent or caregiver may be new to telehealth or dealing with a fussy toddler or infant. As with an in-office visit, it is important to help reduce the caregiver’s stress and ensure they feel comfortable and not rushed. Young children tend to respond better when their caregiver is more relaxed.
- Visual stimulation. Some children may be uncomfortable sitting in front of a camera, or they may be distracted and unable to sit still. Encourage parents to select a toy or comfort item to have on hand. Consider using engaging approaches, such as colorful visuals, to help attract the child’s attention.
- Flexibility. It may be helpful to allocate extra time to ensure you can observe the child and interact with the caregiver.
- Next steps. Let caregivers know what to expect after the session, including potential follow-up appointments, electronic prescriptions, lab tests, or any recommended next steps.
After the visit
After the visit ends, you should continue to engage the patient’s caregiver:
- Follow-up. Parents and guardians may have questions after the visit. A quick message through a patient portal or a follow-up phone call can help ensure that all their questions are addressed and gives caregivers an opportunity to review the provider’s guidance.
Telehealth challenges specific to infants and toddlers
Providing telehealth services to infants and toddlers introduces unique challenges:
- Appropriateness. Telehealth services that are appropriate for adults or even school-age children may not be well-suited for younger children. While telehealth services may be well-suited for routine visits, urgent care, and behavioral observations, an in-person visit may be necessary for certain types of care.
- Attention span. Infants and toddlers may not cooperate or stay still during virtual assessments, making it difficult to obtain clear visual or auditory data.
- Using technology. Even when caregivers are very comfortable with technology, positioning the video camera while handling a fussy child can be difficult.
Protecting patient confidentiality
Telehealth is subject to the same privacy protections as visits that take place in a clinical setting. However, parents may have concerns and seek your reassurance that all information from the visit is confidential. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Confirm legal guardian(s). At the start of the visit with a new patient, make sure you document who holds legal guardianship of the child.
- Patient privacy. At the start of the visit, make sure the caregiver is in a private space where they feel comfortable talking. You can ask if they are able to close the door to help ensure privacy during the visit.
- Persons present at visit. At the start of the telehealth visit, confirm that both you and the caregiver know everyone present at the visit. Let the caregiver know if anyone else is in the room with you, and ask the same of them.
- Privacy protections. Online resources can help reassure caregivers that telehealth visits are private and confidential.
More information:
Can I use telehealth for my child with special health care needs? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth for infants and toddlers? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How do I protect my data and privacy? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Preparing patients for telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth for children and youth with special health care needs (PDF) — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth privacy tips for patients (PDF) — Health Resources and Services Administration
Guidance on non-discrimination in telehealth — Office for Civil Rights