The advent of telehealth has revolutionized the landscape of therapeutic services, particularly for children with developmental delays. A systematic review titled "What are the perspectives of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on using telehealth videoconferencing for service delivery to children with developmental delays?" sheds light on the multifaceted perspectives of healthcare professionals on this emerging modality. This blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or by encouraging them to delve further into the topic.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
The review, conducted by Grant et al., synthesizes data from 14 studies to identify common themes related to telehealth service delivery. These themes include:
- Technology: Both a facilitator and a barrier, depending on accessibility and user proficiency.
- Self-efficacy: Practitioners' confidence in using telehealth tools varies, influencing service delivery quality.
- Replacement of Face-to-Face Services: Mixed opinions on whether telehealth can fully substitute in-person interactions.
- Time Management: Telehealth can streamline or complicate scheduling and session management.
- Relationships: Building rapport and maintaining therapeutic relationships can be challenging but also rewarding via telehealth.
- Access: Telehealth improves access for remote and underserved populations but may exclude those without reliable internet.
- Family-Centered Care: Telehealth facilitates greater family involvement but requires additional effort to engage caregivers effectively.
Implementing Telehealth in Your Practice
To leverage these findings for improved outcomes, practitioners can adopt the following strategies:
- Invest in Training: Enhance your technological proficiency and confidence through specialized training programs. Familiarity with telehealth platforms will mitigate technical issues and improve service delivery.
- Adapt Therapeutic Techniques: Modify traditional face-to-face techniques to suit the telehealth format. For example, use visual aids and interactive tools to maintain engagement.
- Optimize Time Management: Use scheduling software to streamline appointments and set clear expectations for session durations. This will help manage your time more effectively and reduce the risk of burnout.
- Strengthen Relationships: Make an extra effort to build rapport with both the child and their family. Use video calls to observe the child's home environment, which can provide valuable context for your interventions.
- Improve Access: Advocate for better internet infrastructure in underserved areas and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones and family routines.
- Enhance Family-Centered Care: Engage caregivers by providing them with resources and training to support their child's development. Encourage their active participation during sessions.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review by Grant et al. provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Specifically, comparison studies and cost-benefit analyses are essential to fully understand the efficacy and economic viability of telehealth services. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of research by conducting their own studies or collaborating with academic institutions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: What are the perspectives of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on using telehealth videoconferencing for service delivery to children with developmental delays? A systematic review of the literature.
