Virtual Long COVID training educates pediatric healthcare providers nationwide

BALTIMORE, March 31, 2025— As pediatric long COVID continues to pose challenges for families and healthcare providers, Kennedy Krieger Institute launched an innovative virtual training program aimed at expanding access to specialized care. The Pediatric Long COVID Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program has successfully trained nearly 100 healthcare professionals across the United States, equipping them with the knowledge to diagnose and manage long COVID in children.

Pediatric long COVID can severely impact a child’s quality of life, causing persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. Despite the growing need for specialized care, fewer than 20 pediatric long COVID clinics exist in the U.S. This often pushes many families to travel long distances for treatment.

Dr. Laura Malone, director of the Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic at Kennedy Krieger, says the ECHO program provides virtual, case-based learning sessions to bridge this gap and empower community providers.

“Our goal is to ensure that every child experiencing long COVID, no matter where they live, has access to knowledgeable healthcare professionals who can offer treatment,” Dr.  Malone said. “By using virtual training, we can extend the reach beyond major medical centers and into local communities where it’s needed most.”

The 10-week ECHO program included 94 participants made up of physicians, nurses, psychologists, and therapists. Participants attended weekly sessions featuring expert-led discussions on topics such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), fatigue management, neurocognitive effects, and integrative health treatments. Surveys conducted after the program revealed major improvements in participants’ knowledge in managing pediatric long COVID. Participants reported a 21% increase in self-reported ability to diagnose and manage the condition.

“Our findings show that virtual training is a great tool for building expertise and improving patient care,” Dr. Malone said. “Many healthcare professionals have been uncertain about how to approach long COVID in children. So, this program gives them the resources and support they need to make informed clinical decisions.”

While improvements in knowledge and confidence were notable, the study also highlighted ongoing challenges in treatment accessibility and resource availability. Researchers emphasize that continued education, policy changes, and healthcare infrastructure enhancements are necessary to support affected children and their families.

“Our work is far from over,” added Dr. Malone. “Long COVID is an evolving condition, and we must continue to adapt and provide clinicians with up-to-date knowledge so that every child receives the care they deserve.”

Looking ahead, Kennedy Krieger aims to expand the program and integrate emerging research findings to further refine best practices in pediatric long COVID care. For more information about the Pediatric Long COVID ECHO program and ongoing research at Kennedy Krieger Institute, visit [website].

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About Kennedy Krieger Institute 
Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally known, non-profit organization located in the greater Baltimore/Washington, D.C. region, transforms the lives of nearly 30,000 individuals a year through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies, home and community services, school-based programs, training and education for professionals and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders or injuries that impact the nervous system, ranging from mild to severe. The Institute is home to a team of investigators who contribute to the understanding of how disorders develop, while at the same time pioneer new interventions and methods of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Visit www.kennedykrieger.org/ for more information about Kennedy Krieger.