Key Takeaways for Improving Virtual Therapy Skills:
- Embrace Diverse Modalities: The study found that phone calls (99.5%) and video calls (67.0%) were the most commonly used modalities. As a practitioner, consider integrating multiple modalities to cater to different needs and preferences of your students and their families.
- Focus on Comfort and Satisfaction: Overall, 74.5% of participants were satisfied with their virtual visit experience. Ensuring comfort with technology for both you and your students can enhance the therapy experience. Invest time in learning and mastering the tools you use.
- Address Technological Barriers: Limited access to technology and inconsistent Wi-Fi were significant barriers, especially in rural areas. Work with your school district to provide necessary resources and support to overcome these challenges.
- Utilize Support Tools: The study highlighted the importance of standards for virtual care, change management support, and technical training. Seek out and utilize available resources, such as professional development webinars and local colleague support, to enhance your practice.
Encouraging Further Research:
While the study provides valuable insights, it also underscores the need for ongoing research to refine virtual therapy practices. Engaging in further research can help identify new strategies and tools to improve virtual care delivery. Consider collaborating with other practitioners and academic institutions to contribute to this evolving field.
By implementing these findings and continually seeking to improve, you can provide effective and accessible online therapy services to your students, ensuring they receive the support they need during these challenging times.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Exploring the use and challenges of implementing virtual visits during COVID-19 in primary care and lessons for sustained use.
