Telehealth Services for an Adolescent with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The neuropalliative approach in a hospital setting for neuromuscular disorders is essentially multidisciplinary in focus and involves co-ordinated interventions. This case report describes an intensive case management approach through telehealth services provided from a hospital context in South India for psychosocial interventions for an adolescent with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Case management interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic were provided through sixteen sessions over the telephone, focusing on need assessment, service plan development, implementation, co-ordination, and monitoring. Major strategies were crisis management, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioural strategies. Adaptations made to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic using telehealth facilities can be incorporated into routine clinical practice in low-resource settings. IMPLICATIONS Telehealth, which emerged as a viable option for providing effective psychosocial care during the COVID 19 pandemic, could be adopted to complement routine clinical care in low-resource settings.