Autistic spectrum disorders in Brazilian primary care: Telehealth and face-to-face training method

• Autor(a) principal: Lowenthal, Rosane
• Data de Publicação: 2019
• Outros Autores: Silva, Luciana Coltri, Miranda, Claudio Torres, Coelho, Jorge Arthur Peçanha de Miranda, De Paula, Cristiane Silvestre
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Psicologia (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie. Online)
• Texto Completo: http://editorarevistas.mackenzie.br/index.php/ptp/article/view/12566
• topic: transtorno autístico;; atenção básica;; medicos;; enfermeiros;; capacitação; autistic disorder;; primary health care;; physicians;; nurses;; training; trastorno autista;; atención primaria de salud;; médicos;; enferme-ros;; capacitación

Primary care professionals are usually the first ones to detect symptomns of autism. We have developed and evaluated an educational model via a combined telehealth and face-to-face approach to handle autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and child mental health. The training comprised two modules involving distance-learning and face-to-face teaching environments. A total of 150 healthcare professionals – 75 doctors and 75 nurses – from five Brazilian cities were trained. Videos about ASD and child mental health were developed for the distance-learning module. The face-toface module was based on training regarding “Mental health communication skills for child and adolescent primary care.” The professionals were evaluated before and after training utilizing a specific knowledge questionnaire and surveys on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP). Knowledge acquisition, practice, and attitude improved significantly after training (p < 0.01). Our results indicated that the use of interactive tele-education to train professionals in primary care is feasible and effective.