Welcome to guest blogger and OT Jessica Savka OTD, OTR/L
When I first graduated with a master’s in occupational therapy, I never thought I would be working from home as an occupational therapist. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened and as a school-based OT, I quickly shifted into the telehealth world, learning laws and regulations, best practices, and engaging students over a computer screen. Fast forward three years, the evidence supporting telehealth has increased, challenges were identified, and occupational therapy practitioners are more prepared to engage in the telehealth in the school setting.
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Keep reading to learn:- Why obtaining training in telehealth is important for OT practitioners
- Strategies that can promote equity in telehealth
- How to determine when telehealth is appropriate
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Let me review two common challenges identified related to telehealth and how to overcome
them in the school-based setting.
Skees Hermes et al., (2021) surveyed occupational therapy practitioners identifying telehealth barriers. The results identified quality concerns by 39.6% of practitioners surveyed, and 49% reported training in telehealth services as a barrier. This included training in the telehealth setting and providing physical contact. So what are occupational therapy practitioners doing to overcome these concerns?
American Occupational Therapy Association, (2021) states
occupational therapy practitioners should develop competence in software
programs and web-based systems, review evidence-based practice, and understand
state regulations required for telehealth occupational therapy services.
Dahl-Popolizio et al.,
(2020) identifies a common theme that telehealth is not beneficial for all
clients and is dependent on more of a coaching caregiver model than direct
intervention. OT practitioners need to evaluate the appropriateness of telehealth
services for their clients as they are not appropriate for all populations and
diagnoses.
Current evidence supports the use of an E-Helper. An
e-helper can be a parent, caregiver, paraprofessional, and is someone who can
assist with therapy sessions, provide physical assistance, and increase
attention during therapy sessions (Telehealth specialists, n.d.).
The e-helper can assist with evaluations and interventions.
As an occupational therapy practitioner, it is beneficial to educate the
e-helper prior to the session on the expectations of their assistance to ensure
the best practice through telehealth (American Occupational Therapy
Association, 2021).
Technology was identified as a barrier by 44% of occupational therapy practitioners in a survey completed by Skees Hermes et al., (2021). This could be the occupational therapy practitioner's education and skill level with technology, internet connection, or a student's access to technology in the home setting.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (2021) identifies the difference between equality and equity. Equity is ensuring each student has access to the same opportunities while equality ensure access to the same materials. Occupational therapy practitioners understand that equality is not going to provide the same outcome for each student. Therefore we need to ensure equity to all students with access to technology. Providing hotspots to improve internet connection, seeking adapted resources for increased use of the mouse, typing or keyboard.
Occupational therapy practitioners need to understand the barriers of telehealth to guide future research and implementation of telehealth services.
American Occupational Therapy Association (2021). Telehealth and occupational therapy in schools. American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
Dahl-Popolizio, S., Carpenter, H., Coronado, M., Popolizio, N. J., & Swanson, C. (2020). Telehealth for the provision of occupational therapy: Reflections on experiences curing the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 12(2), 77-92. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2020.6328
Skees Hermes, S., Rauen, J., & O’Brien, S. (2021). Perceptions of school-based telehealth in a rural state: Moving forward after COVID-19. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2021.6370
Telehealth specialists (n.d.). The E-helper’s role in teletherapy services. Retrieved January 8, 2025 from https://telehealthspecialists.com/roles-e-helper-teletherapist-teletherapy/