Can We Expand the Pool of Youth Who Receive Telehealth Assessments for ADHD? Covariates of Service Utilization

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth became widely utilized for healthcare, including psychological evaluations. However, whether telehealth has reduced or exacerbated healthcare disparities for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) remains unclear. Methods: Data (race, ethnicity, age, insurance type, ADHD presentation, comorbidities, and distance to clinic) for youth with ADHD ( Mage = 10.97, SDage = 3.42; 63.71% male; 51.62% White) were extracted from the medical record at an urban academic medical center. Three naturally occurring groups were compared: those evaluated in person prior to COVID-19 ( n =780), in person during COVID-19 ( n = 839), and via telehealth during COVID-19 ( n = 638). Results: Children seen via telehealth were significantly more likely to be older, White, have fewer comorbid conditions, and live farther from the clinic than those seen in person. Conclusions: The current study suggests that telehealth has not eliminated barriers to care for disadvantaged populations. Providers and institutions must take action to encourage telehealth use among these groups.