As telehealth visits become more prevalent, physicians can sometimes struggle to help patients effectively demonstrate a musculoskeletal exam through a screen. At the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, one physician found a way to help pediatric patients demonstrate different joint movements using a Barbie doll.
While on telehealth appointments, Alecia Daunter, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatric rehabilitation medicine at U-M Health, discovered that verbally explaining movements was often challenging. Incorporating a Barbie doll into the virtual session made a tangible difference. The use of a visual aid like the Barbie doll not only enhanced the patient’s understanding but also made it easier for physicians to explain what they needed to see during the examination.
The use of a visual aid like the Barbie doll not only enhanced the patient’s understanding but also made it easier for physicians to explain what they needed to see during the examination. Such innovative solutions can contribute to more productive and efficient telehealth visits, ensuring patients continue to receive quality care even in virtual settings.