28629 Virtual group visits for reducing psychosocial distress in pediatric vitiligo and alopecia areata patients and caregivers

Abstract

Pediatric vitiligo and alopecia areata can impact both children’s and caregivers’ mental health in part due to feelings of isolation from a lack of community. A recent study looked at physician productivity in shared appointments with adult vitiligo patients, but there are no reports of pediatric or virtual group visits. This study explores the use of virtual pediatric group visits to reduce isolation and build a community of support for patients. Twenty-two pediatric patients: 13 with alopecia areata, 9 with vitiligo, 13 female, and 9 male, plus 20 parents were surveyed anonymously through Zoom polling during 6 virtual visits. Before the visits, 86% of patients and 80% of parents knew no one or few others with the same condition, and 68% of patients and 70% of parents had no one or few people to talk to. After the visits, only 45% of patients and 26% reported isolation. The sessions exceeded expectations in that before the visits, 27% of children and 65% of parents felt they could be helpful, compared with 59% and 79% after who reported they were helpful. These sessions are also fulfilling a need and 73% of patients and 68% of parents would attend future sessions. Performing these visits virtually has provided families an opportunity to easily connect with others from different backgrounds and geographic locations. We plan to expand these virtual group visits to build an extensive community and network that can serve as a powerful tool for support and education for families.