In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry experienced a rapid transition to telehealth consultations. This shift was essential to maintain patient care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. However, the implementation of telehealth in Allied Health Professional (AHP) services has revealed several gaps in existing guidelines. A recent scoping review titled "Exploration of implementation, financial and technical considerations within allied health professional (AHP) telehealth consultation guidance: a scoping review including UK AHP professional bodies guidance" sheds light on these gaps and provides valuable insights for practitioners.
Key Findings from the Scoping Review
The review identified 29 articles and guidelines, including 21 from database searches and 8 from UK AHP professional bodies. These sources were analyzed for their implementation, financial, and technical considerations. Here are some key findings:
- Implementation Considerations: Most guidelines addressed patient eligibility and the purposes for which telehealth can be used, such as triage, advice provision, and remote monitoring. However, there was a lack of detailed checklists for clinicians and patients, as well as limited guidance on the assessment of telehealth use and effectiveness.
- Financial Considerations: There was significant ambiguity regarding the costs, reimbursement, and coverage of telehealth services. Some guidelines mentioned that telehealth should be cost-neutral, while others highlighted the need for adherence to reimbursement requirements.
- Technical Considerations: Privacy and security issues were frequently discussed, with recommendations for using secure platforms and maintaining patient confidentiality. However, there was limited guidance on the technical requirements for telehealth sessions, such as the necessary internet speed and room setup.
Recommendations for Practitioners
To improve the quality of telehealth consultations in AHP services, practitioners should consider the following recommendations based on the scoping review:
- Develop Detailed Checklists: Create comprehensive checklists for both clinicians and patients to ensure that all necessary steps are followed before, during, and after telehealth consultations. This can help minimize disruptions and enhance the overall quality of care.
- Assess Telehealth Use and Effectiveness: Implement continuous monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness of telehealth interventions. This can include patient feedback, self-audits, and regular team meetings to discuss improvements.
- Clarify Financial Aspects: Work with insurance companies and policymakers to clarify the costs, reimbursement, and coverage of telehealth services. This can help ensure that telehealth consultations are financially viable for both providers and patients.
- Ensure Technical Competence: Provide training for both clinicians and patients on the use of telehealth technologies. Conduct trial sessions with patients who are less familiar with technology to help them become comfortable with the process.
- Address Privacy and Security Concerns: Use secure and approved platforms for telehealth consultations and follow best practices for maintaining patient confidentiality. Avoid using commercial apps and private messaging services unless absolutely necessary.
Encouraging Further Research
The scoping review highlights the need for further research to address the gaps in existing telehealth guidelines for AHPs. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in research studies and collaborate with professional bodies to develop comprehensive and standardized guidelines. This can help ensure that telehealth consultations are safe, effective, and accessible to all patients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Exploration of implementation, financial and technical considerations within allied health professional (AHP) telehealth consultation guidance: a scoping review including UK AHP professional bodies guidance.
