In her Clinical Leader guest column, pediatrician Katie Smentek, MD, FAAP, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and comfort in pediatric clinical trial environments. Addressing the unique needs of young patients is essential for trial success, ensuring both efficacy and compliance. At 20/20 Onsite, we see pediatric patients ranging from newborns to 18 years old, recognizing that different age groups have distinct needs that must be met.
20/20 Onsite's Mobile Vision Clinics (MVCs) and point-of-need delivery models play a crucial role in providing eye assessments to pediatric patients nationwide, even in rural areas. Over a third of 20/20 Onsite’s clinical patients in 2023 were pediatric patients, many with chronic rare diseases like cystic fibrosis. By bringing critical care closer to their homes, 20/20 Onsite eased the burden on their families and improved program outcomes.
Pediatric Care with 20/20 Onsite’s Point-of-Need Delivery Models
A Child-Friendly Environment
Creating a welcoming, stress-free environment significantly enhances study efficiency and comfort for children. “Our team knows that children can be scared or intimidated by the personal protective equipment and the machines used to complete their assessments,” Adam Merola, Director of Life Sciences, notes, “Our primary focus, aside from providing high-quality care and a safe environment, is ensuring that every patient feels comfortable during their time with us.”
Typically, pediatric patients are joined by a parent, grandparent, or caretaker, and during the summer, many arrive with their nannies or even siblings. Creating an environment where they can remain close to their families helps make the process feel less intimidating. “We have had repeat visits with some families, and it is especially heartwarming to see children who were previously scared walk into the exam feeling comfortable and calm,” Lindsay Derucher, Project Manager, says. “Whenever we can acknowledge an upcoming birthday or a milestone like starting Kindergarten, we do! It’s often important to shift focus and start with a fun, age appropriate conversation.”
Our staff's expertise in handling pediatric patients extends to our equipment setup. Albert Santiago, Regional Manager, Eye Care Team and Fleet, highlights, "We've modified the inside of our unit to easily position the equipment where it needs to be when the patient is in the chair. This ensures accurate data collection and helps keep processes smooth so that already-nervous patients do not feel overwhelmed."
Effective Communication and Comfort
Guiding children through study assessments and explaining equipment helps them understand the process and become more trusting. Our staff uses various techniques to make the experience comfortable, such as turning assessments into a game. Eye drops can also be particularly traumatizing for children, but our staff knows tricks to make the process easier and more comfortable, ensuring a positive experience.
Our staff's expertise in handling pediatric patients is crucial. Alina Reznik, OD, highlights, "Our doctors are compassionate and attentive. Parents appreciate seeing the same doctor consistently, which makes the experience more comfortable for both children and their families. This level of care is what sets us apart and makes our services special."
Flexible Scheduling and Reduced Travel Burdens
Understanding the challenges of coordinating school and work schedules, we offer adaptable appointment times, including weekends and evenings. This flexibility allows families to choose convenient times, reducing stress and making it easier to participate in trials. As Derucher explains, "Oftentimes when I’m communicating with the caretakers, I’ll share with them the team members that will be there during their visit, or a fun fact about our Mobile Vision Clinics to share with the kids. This personal touch helps ease their anxiety about the appointment and builds a connection before they even step onto the bus."
Our MVCs provide care close to home, minimizing disruption to routines and reducing the need for travel. Patients treated onboard our MVCs travel an average of 12 miles versus 67 miles to traditional research sites, leaving more time for family activities.
Reduced Appointment Wait Times
From our experience and conversations with ophthalmologists, patients may wait up to 6 months for a pediatric eye exam. A study in JAMA Ophthalmology highlights the disparities in pediatric eye care access, showing that many areas lack sufficient pediatric ophthalmologists and optometrists, contributing to long wait times. In contrast, 20/20 Onsite often ensures appointments within 30 days. This rapid response significantly reduces the delay in essential eye care, allowing for timely intervention and continuous monitoring of pediatric patients' eye health.
Staff Expertise
At 20/20 Onsite, our team is committed to delivering exceptional care through their expertise and dedication. Dr. Reznik notes, "Our staff's consistent and caring approach builds trust and comfort among our pediatric patients and their families. This level of personalized care is what truly distinguishes our services." Our staff is equipped with advanced training and knowledge to handle the unique challenges of pediatric care, ensuring that each child's experience is as smooth and positive as possible.
Why It Matters
Pediatric clinical research often incurs higher costs and extended timelines than adult trials. Conducting trials in child-specialized facilities can reduce expenses and improve recruitment and retention rates. Our mobile clinics bring assessments directly to patients, streamlining the process and saving researchers significant time.
20/20 Onsite addresses diversity and retention challenges by going to underserved communities, making access to care easier while increasing patient retention rates.
Partnering with 20/20 Onsite enhances the clinical pediatric experience. Our point-of-need solutions bring eye assessments directly to patients, providing high-quality, patient-centric service. If your upcoming clinical trial requires specialized eye assessments for pediatric patients, contact 20/20 Onsite today to start the conversation.
