Telehealth for Intellectual Disability

Overseen By Keri Discepolo, DDS MPH

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston University

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This randomized clinical trial is an innovative pilot project to determine the acceptance and impact of telehealth visits on youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their caregivers, and dentists. The impact of the telehealth visit will be assessed by: 1) determining if the intervention group was more likely to achieve the set goals and 2) Likert scaled surveys of satisfaction of caregivers and dentists. Qualitative data will be collected to inform improvement on clinical interviews by the dentist.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT) for intellectual disability?

Research shows that telehealth can effectively teach skills to adults with intellectual disabilities, with participants achieving mastery in fewer than 15 sessions. Additionally, telemedicine has been shown to support communication and simple interventions for people with intellectual disabilities, suggesting potential benefits for Pre-Dental Telehealth. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is telehealth safe for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Telehealth has been widely used to provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and there is no evidence suggesting it is unsafe. It has been successfully used to teach skills and provide care, with participants expressing satisfaction with the process. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How is Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT) treatment different from other treatments for intellectual disability?

Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT) is unique because it uses telehealth technology to provide dental care remotely, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with intellectual disabilities who may face challenges accessing traditional dental services. This approach leverages telecommunications to offer consultations and care without the need for in-person visits, making it more accessible for those in underserved or remote areas. ^{7 9 10 11 12}

Research Team

Keri Discepolo, DDS MPH

Principal Investigator

Goldman School of Dental Medicine

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have a routine dental check-up scheduled at the Pediatric Clinic or Pediatric Health Center at Boston University. They must have a caregiver and a dental provider willing to participate, and all parties need to be English-speaking.

Inclusion Criteria

Have an appointment for a routine check up at the Pediatric Clinic or Pediatric Health Center at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine

Diagnosis of Intellectual or developmental disability (IDD)

Have a caregiver who is willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

N/A

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-Dental Visit Telehealth Interview

Participants receive a scripted telehealth interview before the scheduled dental visit

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Routine Dental Visit

Participants receive a standard of care dental visit

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction and goal achievement after the dental visit

1 week

Surveys completed by caregivers and dentists

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT)

Trial Overview The study tests Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT) visits to see if they help young patients with IDD get better dental care. It looks at whether these telehealth visits make it more likely for them to meet their health goals and how satisfied caregivers and dentists are with this approach.

Participant Groups

Group I: Pre-Dental Visit Telehealth Interview Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized into this arm will receive a scripted telehealth interview before the scheduled dental visit.The participant's' caregiver and dentist will complete a survey within a week of the dental visit.

Group II: Routine Dental Visit Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized into this arm will receive standard of care dental visit. The participant's' caregiver and dentist will complete a survey within a week of the dental visit.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

494

Recruited

9,998,000+

Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Research Fund

Collaborator

Trials

6

Recruited

390+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using telehealth to teach valued skills to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telepsychiatry in intellectual disability psychiatry: literature review. [2020]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Personal Digital Assistants to improve self-care in oral health. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telehealth Service Delivery in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. [2022]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telemedicine Treatment and Care for Patients with Intellectual Disability. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcomes of digital X-ray mini-panel examinations for patients having mental retardation and developmental disability. [2016]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telehealth Treatment of Behavior Problems in Young Children With Developmental Delay: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Position Statement on Telehealth. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is Teledentistry a Feasible Alternative for People Who Need Special Care? [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility assessment for using telehealth technology to improve access to dental care for rural and underserved populations. [2018]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teledentistry in rural California: a USC initiative. [2006]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teledentistry content in Canadian dental and dental hygiene curricula. [2023]