The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly influenced many aspects of healthcare, including the adoption and perception of teletherapy. A recent study titled "Changing attitudes towards teletherapy in Austrian therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic" sheds light on how therapists in Austria adapted to teletherapy during the pandemic. This blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging further exploration in the field.
Key Findings from the Research
The study surveyed 325 Austrian therapists, including physiotherapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language therapists (SLTs), to assess their attitudes towards teletherapy before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings reveal several significant changes:
- Interest in teletherapy increased significantly (r = 0.57, p < 0.01).
- Perceived skills for performing teletherapy improved (r = 0.33, p < 0.01).
- Need for physical contact with patients decreased (r = 0.35, p < 0.01).
- Women reported higher technical affinity than men (r = 0.32, p < 0.01).
- Nearly half of the participants had already applied teletherapy, with positive ratings regarding skills and feasibility.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
Based on these findings, practitioners can take several steps to enhance their teletherapy services:
- Embrace Training and Skill Development: Continuous professional development is crucial. Participate in webinars, workshops, and courses focused on teletherapy to improve technical skills and therapeutic approaches.
- Address Technical Barriers: Invest in reliable and secure therapeutic software. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and necessary hardware to minimize technical difficulties during sessions.
- Advocate for Reimbursement Policies: Engage with professional organizations and insurance companies to advocate for stable reimbursement policies for teletherapy services.
- Enhance Patient Engagement: Develop strategies to increase patient responsibility and knowledge about their health issues through teletherapy. This can include educational materials and interactive sessions.
- Explore Further Research: Conduct or participate in research to explore the long-term effects of teletherapy and gather patient feedback to continually improve services.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for further research to understand the long-term sustainability of teletherapy and its impact on therapeutic paradigms. Additionally, exploring patients' attitudes towards teletherapy can provide valuable insights to enhance service delivery.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Changing attitudes towards teletherapy in Austrian therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
