Date of Conferral

4-30-2026

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Matt Frederiksen-England

Abstract

The increasing use of telehealth in autism care has created opportunities to improve caregiver satisfaction as it remains a critical challenge in pediatric specialty settings. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify strategies that healthcare administrators can implement to improve caregiver satisfaction with telehealth platforms and optimize care delivery for autism patients. Using an integrative review methodology and viewed from the lens of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology framework, evidence from 20 research and non-research sources published between 2018 and 2025 were analyzed, using the Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model and synthesized. The findings revealed five major themes: strengthen organizational leadership and governance, develop and train the workforce, optimize hybrid care delivery models, enhance technology infrastructure and user support, and advance equity and sustainability in telehealth services. A total of 15 subthemes included building protocol, improved training, and policy and reimbursement alignment. Recommendations include strengthening organization and leadership governance, developing workforce and caregiver training, implementing hybrid delivery models, and enhancing technology infrastructure. The results indicated that caregiver satisfaction is primarily driven by system-level administrative strategies rather than clinical outcomes alone. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare administrators to enhance telehealth implementation, improve caregiver engagement, and promote equitable access to care. These findings have important implications for healthcare practice and social change by addressing disparities and improving access to autism services.

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