Practical Considerations in Telehealth
Introduction to Telehealth[edit | edit source]
The ubiquitous nature of technology in our daily lives has paved the way for the development of alternative methods of healthcare delivery which includes telehealth. It has been found to be an effective "next-gen" solution, and helps clients to receive equivalent if not better care than traditional practices.[1][2][3] In order to ensure the most effective, safe, and responsible delivery of physiotherapy services through the means of telehealth, some prerequisites need to be met.
Overview of Practical Considerations in Telehealth[edit | edit source]
The patient and therapist need access to the appropriate technology
- Video: minimum requirements device with microphone and camera and a stable internet connection
- Environment for both therapist and patient:
- Space
- Clear form clutter
- Private
- Furniture required and how it should be arranged
- Equipment required
- Background: preferably stationary.
- Lighting: clearly see your patient at all times. Above or behind computer screen. Close curtain and turn on the lights. Work with patient
- Noise: eliminate background noise, radio or television. Headset with microphone useful for therapist.
- Clothes the patient is wearing, light plain color
- Position relative to the camera, front on. Face and upper chest in view. Are you looking at the patient or the camera. When demonstrating the action, position yourself correctly.
- Continually ask patient to reposition the camera and themselves - get the patient position right
- Position yourself to avoid mistakes with goniometry assessment.
Resources[edit | edit source]
https://www.who.int/goe/publications/goe_telemedicine_2010.pdf
https://www.wcpt.org/sites/wcpt.org/files/files/congress/19/Presentations/WCPT-06.pdf
http://www.apta.org/Telehealth/
https://www.apta.org/Telehealth/Implementation/
http://www.apta.org/Telehealth/COVID-19/Modalities/
https://australian.physio/sites/default/files/APATelehealthGuidelinesCOVID190420FA.pdf
https://www.running-physio.com/telehealth
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Cottrell MA, Galea OA, O’Leary SP, Hill AJ, Russell TG. Real-time telerehabilitation for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is effective and comparable to standard practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical rehabilitation. 2017 May;31(5):625-38.
- ↑ Van Egmond MA, van der Schaaf M, Vredeveld T, Vollenbroek-Hutten MM, van Berge Henegouwen MI, Klinkenbijl JH, et al. Effectiveness of physiotherapy with telerehabilitation in surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2018 Sep 1;104(3):277-98.
- ↑ Chumbler NR, Quigley P, Li X, Morey M, Rose D, Sanford J, et al. Effects of telerehabilitation on physical function and disability for stroke patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Stroke. 2012 Aug;43(8):2168-74.
