Telehealth is no longer only considered if face-to-face therapy sessions are unavailable. Many people now use Telehealth as their first and preferred option for attending Allied Health and other therapy sessions.
Most Allied Health and Disability providers offer Telehealth consultations. They are a convenient alternative to face-to-face sessions which can be at unsuitable times, difficult to attend or simply not an option for those who might live remotely or in under-serviced regions.
COVID lockdowns saw a massive increase in Telehealth consultations along with huge improvements in service delivery. Danielle Bodinnar, founder and CEO of Karista, believes we have come a long way in how Telehealth therapies are conducted; and that the mindset about using Telehealth has changed.
“Once participants experience Telehealth, they recognise the benefits of it over face-to-face sessions. Many choose to continue conducting their therapy in this way or use a hybrid model, where they attend some sessions using Telehealth and some face-to-face.— Danielle Bodinnar
We’ve also seen Providers improving their Telehealth offering, with many therapists now using interactive software on screen to keep participants engaged.”
A Speech Pathologist from Therapy Pro conducting a Telehealth consultation with a participant and her mother.
There are many benefits to using Telehealth for therapy sessions:
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Telehealth can reduce the cost, time and stress associated with travel to and from sessions. Sometimes, face-to-face sessions don’t fit in with our busy work/life schedules of rushing between school, activities, and appointments. And often, the time spent finding a parking space can mean a 45-minute appointment turns into a 30-minute session, not to mention the stress of running late and rushing kids. Telehealth removes this pressure altogether.
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Telehealth offers more flexibility in that you are not restricted by location - sessions can be run at home, grandma's house, or at holiday accommodation if you have the right technology (refer below). This means you don’t have to skip sessions, ensuring support continuity.
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Similarly, Telehealth broadens choice and can offer more immediate availability for sessions because it's more flexible for the therapist too. For example, a therapist may not be available for a face-to-face session due to location but can conduct a Telehealth consultation right away! This is especially beneficial for those living in regional and remote locations, which can often be under-serviced regions. Telehealth is more readily available, ensuring therapies are kept up to date.
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The whole family can get involved in Telehealth sessions. Older siblings or a parent who may not usually attend their child’s therapy, can be directly involved with the online session – sitting and participating with the child. This quickly builds skills that can be practiced and continued in between therapy sessions, supporting the ongoing development of your child when the therapist is not there.
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Telehealth is fun and engaging for kids. Gone are the days when kids won’t sit in front of a computer for their therapy session. Pooja Yeligala is a Senior Occupational Therapist from Therapy Pro who sees a variety of participants via Telehealth. She believes the key to engaging children is to share the therapy experience with them.
“If I am asking a child to use playdough or conduct an activity via telehealth, I will ensure that I am also doing the activity, or up demonstrating how to move or jump or balance.”— Pooja Yeligala, OT - Therapy Pro
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Telehealth allows people who may not be able to leave their home with the ability to continue therapy sessions. There are many reasons why people need to stay at home - compromised immunity, impaired mobility, or mental health conditions where a participant may feel safer and more relaxed in their home environment. Telehealth brings the therapist to these people, ensuring continuity of care.
Technology requirements for Telehealth
Technology is key for an effective telehealth session.
Firstly, you will need a device with audio equipment (microphone and speakers) and a camera – smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers usually have this equipment built in.
Secondly, a strong mobile phone signal or reliable internet connection is important to ensure services can run smoothly and without interruption.
Finally, a quiet space with good lighting and sufficient room to move around freely is also helpful.
Most therapies can be delivered via Telehealth – the biggest consideration is the environment of the individual. For example, an elderly person may need a child or grandchild to help set them up.
If you don’t think you have the right technology for Telehealth, check your NDIS plan. There may be options for flexible low-cost Assistive Technology for support continuity. Read more about what you are entitled to here:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained/flexible-low-cost-support-continuity
Further reading - Studies supporting Telehealth
Study published June 2019 – Parent Perspectives of an Occupational Therapy Telehealth Intervention
A 12-week, telehealth delivered occupational therapy intervention, working with families of young children with ASD, was delivered – parents reported how telehealth fit within their daily lives, supported a collaborative relationship with the OT and the intervention content built a sense of empowerment through positive developmental trajectories for children with ASD.
Noting the effectiveness of OT home modification interventions but highlighting that People with Disability often do not receive these services due to service delivery costs, limited therapists, extensive geographical areas. It examined feasibility in improving home safety and perception of performance of daily activities. Participants reported satisfaction with the mode of intervention, stating ease of use and reduction in client and caregiver burden.