As the COVID-19 pandemic forced the rapid adoption of telehealth, practitioners have had to adapt quickly to new ways of delivering care. A recent study titled Perceptions About the Efficacy and Acceptability of Telephone and Video-Delivered Allied Health Care for Adults With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional National Survey provides valuable insights that can help practitioners improve their telehealth services.
Here are key findings from the study and actionable steps you can take to enhance your telehealth practice:
- Ease of Use: Approximately 47%-56% of respondents found telehealth technology easy to use, but 17%-26% found it difficult. Actionable Step: Simplify the user interface and provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions for both children and their caregivers.
- Comfort Communicating: 51%-55% felt comfortable communicating via telehealth, while 24%-27% felt uncomfortable. Actionable Step: Foster a comfortable virtual environment by using familiar tools and encouraging open communication.
- Privacy and Security: 51%-67% were satisfied with privacy and security. Actionable Step: Ensure that your telehealth platform is secure and reassure parents about the measures in place to protect their child's privacy.
- Effectiveness: 56%-64% believed the care they received was effective. Actionable Step: Tailor your interventions to the virtual setting and continually seek feedback to improve efficacy.
- Future Use: Despite positive experiences, 48%-51% were unlikely to choose telehealth in the future. Actionable Step: Highlight the benefits and success stories of telehealth to encourage continued use.
To further improve your telehealth services, consider conducting your own surveys to gather feedback specific to your practice. Engage with your patients and their families to understand their unique needs and preferences.
Implementing these findings can significantly enhance the quality of care you provide through telehealth, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need during these challenging times and beyond.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Perceptions About the Efficacy and Acceptability of Telephone and Video-Delivered Allied Health Care for Adults With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional National Survey.
