Susan Petryk and Jill Bally
The Virtual Specialist and the Travelling Nurse Practitioner: A novel consultation model for children and their families to improve access to developmental pediatric and child mental health care
Children and families in Saskatchewan can face long waits for developmental pediatrics and mental health consultations, with specialists concentrated in Regina and Saskatoon. The distance to these services can make access especially difficult for those living outside the province’s larger centres.
The project examines a model that brings specialist expertise into the child’s community through a video consultation supported by a nurse practitioner who is physically present with the child and caregiver. The aim is to make consultations more accessible without compromising the quality of care.
Approach and methodology
Under the proposed model, the nurse practitioner gathers background information before the appointment, facilitates the video consultation and supports follow-up afterwards. The design is intended to use specialist time more efficiently while maintaining a coordinated experience for families and professionals.
The research plan includes gathering caregivers’ feedback about what works and what needs improvement, then refining the consultation process. Initial testing is designed for children with both developmental disabilities and mental health concerns, whose care needs may be particularly complex.
Expected contribution
If the model proves effective, it could shorten waits and improve access to developmental and mental health consultations for children and families across Saskatchewan, particularly outside major centres. Lessons from the work may also help inform similar approaches for children with less complex needs or in other specialties. These are potential benefits, not reported study outcomes.
About the researchers
Dr. Susan Petryk is a physician and clinical associate in developmental pediatrics at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine. Her clinical affiliation is with Child and Youth Services in Regina. As a co-principal investigator, she brings a developmental pediatrics perspective to the project’s examination of specialist access for children and families.
Dr. Jill Bally is a registered nurse and professor in the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Nursing. Her work focuses on pediatric and family nursing, caregiving experiences and participatory approaches to improving care for children and their families. She has extensive experience in interdisciplinary, patient-oriented research.
