The field of telerehabilitation is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and a growing body of research. As practitioners dedicated to improving outcomes for children, it is crucial to stay informed about these developments. The recent volume of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) offers valuable insights that can enhance your practice. This blog summarizes key findings and provides actionable steps to implement these outcomes in your work.
Privacy and Security in VoIP Videoconferencing
One of the standout articles in this volume is a follow-up study by Valerie Watzlaf, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA, and colleagues. They applied a privacy and security checklist to the top ten VoIP videoconferencing software used in telerehabilitation. The findings were eye-opening:
- Wide variability in the use of encryption
- 70% of companies did not specify any form of server auditing
- Potential sharing of recorded session content outside the country of origin
These results highlight the importance of critically evaluating the software you use. Here are some steps to enhance security and privacy in your practice:
- Ensure the software you choose uses robust encryption methods
- Check for clear policies on server auditing
- Inform clients about potential risks and obtain informed consent
Challenges and Strategies in South African Telerehabilitation
Maurice Mars, MD, provides an in-depth look at the state of telerehabilitation in South Africa. Despite facing significant challenges such as economic constraints, clinician shortages, and insufficient power resources, Dr. Mars suggests pragmatic strategies to move forward:
- Leveraging mobile technology to reach underserved areas
- Training local clinicians in telepractice
- Developing partnerships with international organizations
While these strategies are specific to South Africa, they offer valuable lessons for practitioners worldwide. Consider how you can adapt these approaches to your context, particularly if you work in underserved or rural areas.
Pioneering Work in Pediatric Telepractice
The final two articles focus on the clinical application of telerehabilitation in pediatric settings. Occupational therapist Jana Cason, DHS, OTR/L, and speech-language pathologist Susan Grogan-Johnson, PhD, have made significant contributions to early intervention and rural telepractice, respectively. Key takeaways include:
- Telepractice can effectively deliver early intervention services
- Rural communities benefit greatly from remote speech-language pathology services
- Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances service delivery
To implement these findings, consider the following steps:
- Integrate telepractice into your early intervention programs
- Explore partnerships with universities and other organizations to expand your reach
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations to provide comprehensive care
Staying informed about the latest research and applying these insights can significantly enhance your practice. By prioritizing privacy and security, addressing challenges in underserved areas, and leveraging the benefits of pediatric telepractice, you can create better outcomes for the children you serve.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Editors Note: Volume Overview
