Editor's note: For more coverage of the 2020 AAP Virtual National Conference & Exhibition, visit https://www.aappublications.org/news/2020/08/21/nationalconference2020.
The AAP has assembled a host of experts to share the latest developments on COVID-19 during the virtual National Conference. Following is an overview of sessions to help pediatricians address the health of their patients, practices and communities. They can be viewed at https://www.eventscribe.net/2020/AAPexperience/.
“Caring for Children With Medical Complexity in the Time of COVID-19” (L2201)
noon to 12:30 p.m. CDT Saturday
with Dennis Z. Kuo, M.D., M.H.S., FAAP, chair of the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities Executive Committee
While children with medical complexity generally have been spared from physical illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, the disruption of needed services has affected their ability to grow and thrive. Dr. Kuo will discuss how to meet the needs of this population during the pandemic.
He will begin by addressing the importance of health equity. “Children with medical complexity are just like any other child,” he said. “They need the same kind of consideration and planning. Their accommodations may just be a little different.”
Dr. Kuo also will talk about the “new normal,” including telehealth, chronic care management, safety in schools and community supports. He will review multilayer risk reduction and shared decision-making.
“The take-home message is that children with medical complexity require a lot of proactive planning,” he said, “and we want folks to be flexible, creative, responsive and forgiving!”
“COVID-19 and Schools: What You Need to Know” (L2301)
1-1:30 p.m. CDT Saturday
with Nathaniel Beers, M.D., M.P.A., FAAP, member of the AAP Council on School Health Executive Committee
Dr. Beers will review AAP interim guidance on returning to school, including recommendations for face coverings, physical distancing and cleaning of schools. He also will discuss the impact of virtual education on children and adolescents, including students with disabilities.
“Most of our patients spend significant portions of their day in school. COVID-19 has disrupted their routines as well as the safety net provided by schools,” Dr. Beers said. “This is an opportunity for pediatricians to gain an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 and the decisions schools have made on those children and adolescents in their practice.”
Dr. Beers also will offer strategies for pediatricians to engage with schools on preparing for re-entry or managing if already in-person.
“Each community will need to develop individualized plans to allow for a safe return to schools for all children and adolescents as well as the staff,” he said. “Pediatricians, as child health experts in the community, need to be prepared to be active in the dialogue to ensure this can be done with the whole child in mind.”
“COVID-19 Pregnancy and Newborn Care” (L2304)
1-1:30 p.m. Saturday
with Karen M. Puopolo, M.D., Ph.D., FAAP, member of the AAP Committee on Fetus and Newborn and Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Dr. Puopolo will address current recommendations for hospital care when the mother has COVID-19 at the time of delivery, the risk that the newborn will have SARS-CoV-2 infection at birth, whether breast milk can transmit SARS-CoV-2 infection and what has been learned about maternal antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.
“In this session, we will discuss the most updated information for the questions most important to neonatal clinicians,” Dr. Puopolo said.
“Crossroads in Crisis: Your Practice During COVID-19” (L2501)
2-3 p.m. CDT Saturday
with Suzanne K. Berman, M.D., FAAP, chair of the AAP Section on Administration and Practice Management Executive Committee, and Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP, chair of the AAP Payer Advocacy Advisory Committee and member of the AAP Section on Administration and Practice Management.
Dr. Berman and Dr. Kressly will offer an analysis of why some practices weathered the COVID-19 storm fairly well and why others continue to struggle. They will discuss how to evaluate strengths and weaknesses in staffing, finances and leadership structure to improve future success.
“We're going to offer practical advice on ways to make your COVID-19/flu winter less painful,” including workflow changes and resource planning, Dr. Kressly said. They also will discuss coding changes that take effect Jan. 1 that can preserve or improve your bottom line.
You will learn “how to think critically, feel empowered and know where to turn when you run into a COVID-related problem such as not enough supplies, being cash-strapped, an insurance barrier you weren't expecting or another artificial roadblock,” Dr. Kressly said.
“Supporting Families Globally During COVID-19: How Pediatricians Make a Difference” (L3101)
10-11 a.m. CDT Sunday
moderated by Zulfiqar Bhutta, Ph.D., M.B.B.S., (Hon.) FAAP, past president of the International Pediatric Association
This session will cover how pediatricians in the U.S. and abroad can support families in their practices, communities and beyond by advocating for child-friendly policies, coaching caregivers and recognizing their own biases during and after the pandemic.
Faculty are from Women in Global Health, UNICEF, Rwanda’s University of Global Health Equity and Harvard’s Program in Global Mental Health and Social Change.
The session is the last in an AAP webinars series titled “Global Health Practice in the Time of COVID: Finding Effectiveness in Your Personal & Professional World.” Archived webinars can be viewed at http://bit.ly/AAPglobalCOVIDseries.
“Infection Prevention & Control: Your Questions Answered” (L3401)
noon-12:30 p.m. CDT Sunday
with Ann-Christine Nyquist, M.D., M.S.P.H., FAAP, member of the AAP Section on Infectious Diseases
Dr. Nyquist will answer the hottest questions from pediatric providers related to caring for children who are potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2. She will discuss the use of personal protective equipment, public health recommendations, testing and how to protect staff members who are at higher risk.
“Learn core infection prevention and control strategies to keep your patients, families and staff safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic with the impending respiratory season on our doorstep,” Dr. Nyquist said. “Adopting the ABCs of infection control with COVID-specific modifications will help pediatricians open the doors of their medical homes to children.”
“Does My Patient Have MIS-C? When to Suspect Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children” (L3501)
1-1:30 p.m. CDT Sunday
with Sandy D. Hong, M.D., FAAP, chair of the AAP Section on Rheumatology Executive Committee
Dr. Hong will provide the latest information on signs and symptoms of MIS-C, common laboratory findings, current treatment approaches and recommended follow-up. She also will briefly discuss how MIS-C is similar to and different from Kawasaki disease.
“I plan to discuss common case presentations and lab findings to help physicians evaluate for MIS-C,” Dr. Hong said. “MIS-C is rare but on the minds of many parents. Thus, pediatricians will need to be up to date on MIS-C diagnostic guidelines and facts when questioned by worried parents.”
“COVID-19 and Sports for the General Pediatrician”
On-demand session
with David T. Bernhardt, M.D., FAAP, member of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness
Dr. Bernhardt addresses issues related to sports safety not only for individuals but also from the community health perspective.
“We seem to learn more about COVID every day. I am pleased to be able to address issues related to COVID-19 and sports,” Dr. Bernhardt said.
