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 is an effective "next-gen" solution and helps clients 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.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/advocacy-library/telehealth-guidelines-and-practical-tips.pdf

https://www.caot.ca/document/7171/Practical%20Considerations%20for%20OTs%20and%20Telehealth_covid19_March25.pdf

https://www.gtlaw.com/-/media/files/insights/published-articles/020810_new-york-law-journal-telemedicine-legal-and-practical-considerations.pdf

https://www.running-physio.com/telehealth

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.