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Technology...it's everywhere. There is hardly anything you have to leave your house for these days, and now your therapy sessions are included in that category. The wave of future healthcare is moving rapidly towards telehealth where computers will be essential in the management of our medical care. Now you can receive the help you need, without even having to leave your recliner.
What is telepractice (teletherapy)?
Telepractice is the online delivery of therapy services via two-way video conferencing. Therapy sessions are nearly identical to traditional speech sessions, except instead of sitting together in the same room, patients and therapists interact via live video conferencing. Via this web-based conferencing, a virtual environment is created where the clinician and client are connected through phone, computer, tablet or other web enabled device and can interact in real-time through audio and video with authentic images, video, and learning materials.
Who should use teletherapy?
Telepractice is not appropriate for all persons and situations. Clinicians must carefully consider a client’s physical and sensory characteristics, cognitive functioning, behavior, communication skills, and level of support prior to start of services. Most teletherapy companies offer an initial consultation to determine eligibility. Prior to signing up for virtual services, it is important to make sure that someone in the household has basic computer skills to be able to open their email and click a link to their "virtual session". It is also important that those patients participating in services have a general ability to sit and maintain general attention for the length of the session (typically 30-60 min) with or without assistance. Although, some clients may present with physical or cognitive challenges that prevent them from participating in telepractice (online speech therapy) in isolation, they may be able to benefit from some of the interventions with the help of an aide, assistant or caregiver. Being able to sustain attention for reasonable time, follow simple commands and manipulate a computer mouse are some of the basic physical and cognitive requirements of participating in teletherapy. Teletherapists should develop personalized protocols for each of their clients to determine candidacy, interventions and modifications for telepractice. At present, teletherapy is used with school-aged kids all the way up through senior adults with benefits proven across the board in all age groups.
Why use teletherapy?
Speech therapy telepractice is emerging as a standard of care that promises to be equal to or better than traditional face-to-face therapy. For some, the reason to use teletherapy centers around the their location, perhaps they live in a rural area where access to traditional services is not available. While that may have been the initial driving force behind creating telepractice, it also gave way to new ideas in which teletherapy could be useful, even for those who aren't living in rural areas. Some of the benefits of web-based speech therapy for patients include convenience, quality of services, selection of "right" therapist and use extensive resources. In the age of technology, many clients find virtual sessions to be less intimidating than face-to-face assessments and treatments resulting in better outcomes and participation.
How does teletherapy work?
In order to participate in online therapy services, the clients must have access to some basic equipment including a computer, a web camera with 15 FPS (frames per second) capture rate (either built in or separate), a high speed internet connection (150 kbps minimum), and preferably a headset with attached microphone for premium audio quality. In addition to the above equipment, the teletherapist must choose a HIPPA compliant platform to conduct the sessions which will allow them to chat, screen share and manipulate exchanged materials simultaneously to allow for an interactive experience for both the client and the therapist.
Where can I get teletherapy?
Teletherapy can occur anywhere the basic equipment set up is available, but there are other considerations to think about when conducting an online session. It is recommended that both the client and the therapist choose locations that minimize visual and auditory distractions, provide adequate lighting and provide comfort and safety so as not to detract from the session once it begins. In addition, both parties should choose a space where the confidentiality and privacy of all client's data and secure information can stay protected and secure using encrypted programs that meet HIPAA and FERPA regulations. It is the regulation of most states that the therapists providing the service must be licensed in the state in which the therapist is actually conducting the session as well as the state in which the client resides. Currently, telepractice takes place in schools, medical centers, child-care centers, outpatient clinics, corporate settings and private homes.
When can telepractice help me or my loved one?
Many medical professionals are using telepractice to help manage their patients and provide them with the best care, at the lowest cost and with the greatest efficiency. As a result, teletherapy use is growing at a rapid pace for doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists and the like. Speech therapists use teletherapy to address areas such as speech and language skills, swallowing deficits, voice disorders, aphasia and cognitive decline. Occupational therapists use teletherapy to help patients with self care, fine and gross motor skills, coordination tasks, visual deficits and executive function impairments. If you are a patient or caregiver who struggles during unfamiliar situations or has questions they need to ask and don't have time to make a special trip to the doctor or therapist office, then teletherapy is the solution you've been waiting for.
With the ever-changing world we live in and the increasing prevalence of everything digital, telehealth and teletherapy are one of the fastest growing medical advances. If you have further questions or comments, please leave us a note in the forum or drop us a quick email and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you all in our "virtual office".
The information you need . . Straight Up!
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