Telehealth for Intellectual Disability
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how telehealth visits might assist young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their caregivers before dental appointments. It aims to determine if these pre-dental telehealth sessions facilitate achieving dental care goals and increase satisfaction for both caregivers and dentists. Participants will either have a regular dental visit or a telehealth interview before their appointment. Those with an intellectual or developmental disability, a scheduled dental check-up at Boston University’s Dental School, and caregivers and dental providers willing to participate might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance dental care experiences for individuals with IDD.
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 prior data suggests that this telehealth method is safe for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Research has shown that digital health tools, such as Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT), can improve health for people with disabilities. These tools may enhance thinking skills and movement abilities. Specific information about PDT's side effects is not yet available. Since this trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, the researchers are primarily assessing its practicality and acceptability, rather than focusing on safety. This suggests that major safety concerns have not arisen so far. Overall, telehealth methods are generally well-received.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT) method because it offers a new way to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for dental visits. Unlike traditional dental care, which begins only when the patient arrives at the dentist's office, PDT involves a scripted telehealth interview before the visit. This approach aims to reduce anxiety and increase understanding for both patients and caregivers, potentially leading to smoother and more effective dental appointments. By integrating telehealth into dental care, researchers hope to improve the overall experience and outcomes for patients with intellectual disabilities.
What evidence suggests that Pre-Dental Telehealth might be effective for intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Research has shown that telehealth effectively teaches skills to adults with intellectual disabilities, with participants often learning quickly. Another study on oral health found that telehealth aids in preventive care and increases satisfaction. In this trial, participants in the Pre-Dental Visit Telehealth Interview arm will receive a scripted telehealth interview before their scheduled dental visit. These findings suggest that using telehealth before dental visits may help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities better achieve their dental care goals. This approach could enhance the overall experience and outcomes for both patients and caregivers.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Keri Discepolo, DDS MPH
Principal Investigator
Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
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
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Dental Visit Telehealth Interview
Participants receive a scripted telehealth interview before the scheduled dental visit
Routine Dental Visit
Participants receive a standard of care dental visit
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for satisfaction and goal achievement after the dental visit
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Pre-Dental Telehealth (PDT)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston University
Lead Sponsor
Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Research Fund
Collaborator