AOTA

Authors

Jason T. Long, PhD¹

Christopher J. Kovacs, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS¹

Aurora J. Hoobler, MS, OTR/L, BCP¹

Erin E. K. Fritts, OTR/L¹

Brian E. Cunningham, CSSBB²

Cailee M. Caldwell, MA(Eng)¹

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati, OH

¹Divisions of Occupational and Physical Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation

²James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence

Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)

Abstract:

The advent of telehealth in occupational therapy practice was well-defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in the 2013 position paper on the topic (AOTA, 2013). Advances in telecommunications and information systems have led to a service delivery model that offers an opportunity to evaluate, consult, and monitor clients who might be otherwise inaccessible to the clinician. However, the journey from “telehealth in concept” to “telehealth in practice” is not necessarily a straightforward process, nor does it always lead where originally intended. This article seeks to describe the conceptualization and development of a telehealth program in a hospital-based therapeutic environment, and the incorporation of telehealth tools and principles into practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize aspects of the Design Thinking strategy used to identify potential telehealth applications within existing services.

2. Recognize telehealth applications that can be implemented by many facilities in existing care models.

3. Identify challenges to the broad implementation of telehealth applications within an existing hospital-based practice.

AOTA Taxonomy Key Words: Children & Youth, Manage Your Practice, Rehabilitation & Disability

CE Find Key Words: telehealth, technology, pediatrics, licensure

Learning Level: Entry Level

Target Audience: Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants

Content Focus: Category 3: Administration & Management; Legal, Legislative, Regulatory, & Reimbursement Issues; Contemporary Issues and Trends

Reference Information:

Long, J., Kovacs, C., Hoobler, A., Fritts, E., Cunningham, B., Caldwell, C., (2015). Integrating Telehealth: Experiences in Incorporating Telehealth Tools and Principles Into a Pediatric Therapeutic Environment. OT Practice, 20(7). CE-1–CE-8