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. Telehealth is an effective "next-gen" solution that helps clients receive equivalent if not better care than traditional practices.[1][2][3] 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]
There are four domains that need to be considered to ensure the appropriate delivery and consumption of telehealth services.
Technology[edit | edit source]
The patient and therapist would both need access to the appropriate technology to enable telehealth. They must include all components mentioned below.
Internet connectivity
Camera
Microphone
Software
Environment[edit | edit source]
The role of the environment must not be undermined. The following recommendations will assist in making the necessary modifications in your set-up.
Decor, client's clothing must not interfere
Noise
Lighting
Therapist[edit | edit source]
The therapist is the facilitator and therefore can either make or break the process.
Bedside manner
Assessment
Safety
Client selection
Tech literate
Client[edit | edit source]
The client must fully understand the telehealth model and decide for himself whether it is the appropriate delivery method for him.
Consent
Data privacy
Role of caregivers
Financial
Ethical
- 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.
These videos will assist you in designing your own telehealth sessions.
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.
