The spring 2014 issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) offers a wealth of information and research findings that can significantly enhance the skills and practices of healthcare practitioners, particularly those involved in telerehabilitation. This blog will delve into the key findings from the issue, providing actionable insights and encouraging further research to improve outcomes for children receiving online therapy services.
Key Research Highlights
The issue contains four policy articles, each shedding light on different aspects of telerehabilitation:
- Licensure Portability in Physical Therapy: Lane discusses the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy's (FSBPT) efforts to achieve licensure portability, which could have far-reaching benefits for other health-related professions.
- Telehealth Laws and Regulations: Calouro, Kwong, and Gutierrez analyze state telehealth laws and their implications for occupational and physical therapists, emphasizing the need for regulations that ensure safety without hindering telehealth adoption.
- Telehealth Efficacy and Reimbursement Trends: Cason focuses on licensure portability and its importance for fully realizing the benefits of telehealth, citing examples from pediatric feeding disorders and upper extremity prosthetic devices.
- WFOT Position Statement on Telehealth: The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) provides an international perspective on telehealth, advocating for its adoption and outlining key policy considerations.
Original Research Findings
In addition to policy discussions, the issue includes original research that offers valuable insights for practitioners:
- Pediatric Dysphagia Treatment via Telepractice: Malandraki, Roth, and Sheppard's case study demonstrates the feasibility of using telehealth technologies to deliver pediatric dysphagia treatment, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting telepractice.
- Innovative Experiential Learning in Occupational Therapy: Foti, Eleazar, and Furphy evaluate student learning outcomes from an international teleconsultation assignment, revealing significant gains in occupational therapy processes, cultural awareness, and technology use.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
The findings from these studies have several practical implications for practitioners:
- Adopt Telehealth Technologies: The evidence supports the viability of telehealth for various treatments, including pediatric dysphagia. Practitioners should consider integrating these technologies into their practice to enhance service delivery.
- Stay Informed on Policy Changes: Understanding and keeping up-to-date with telehealth laws and regulations is crucial. Practitioners should advocate for policies that facilitate, rather than hinder, the adoption of telehealth.
- Focus on Licensure Portability: Licensure portability is essential for maximizing the benefits of telehealth. Practitioners should support initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.
- Engage in Experiential Learning: Innovative learning assignments, such as international teleconsultations, can significantly enhance practitioner skills. Educational institutions should incorporate such assignments into their curricula.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings in this issue are promising, further research is needed to continue advancing the field of telerehabilitation. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research activities, whether through conducting their own studies or participating in collaborative research projects. By doing so, they can contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy and benefits of telehealth.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Editors Note: Volume Overview
