An Examination of Occupational Therapy Telehealth Service Delivery Among Novice Users During the COVID -19 Pandemic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2023.6544

Keywords:

Client champion, Coaching, Occupational therapy, Telehealth

Abstract

The COVID -19 pandemic allowed for widespread implementation of telehealth as a delivery method for occupational therapy (OT) services. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of novice telehealth OT practitioners regarding telehealth as a delivery method for OT services. Quantitative data was collected through a modified version of the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire and analyzed via descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was collected by open-ended questions and analyzed via thematic analysis. OT practitioners’ responses revealed four major themes: logistics of telehealth practice, role of client champions, capacity of the OT practitioner, and styles and approaches. The study revealed that OT sessions delivered via telehealth increased access to clients and continuity of services. Client champion engagement, effective coaching strategies, and practitioner flexibility supported the success of OT telehealth sessions.

  

Author Biographies

Lori E. Breeden, University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Lori Breeden is an Assistant Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at the University of Indianapolis.  She teaches Neuroscience in Occupational Therapy, OT Process II & III which focus on intervention, and an elective on Telehealth. Professional interests include rehab seating and positioning, spasticity management and recovery of hemiplegic upper extremities.

Lori's research interests include client education, stroke recovery, OT delivery via telehealth, the contribution of photovoice and photoethnographic research to the understanding of participation in meaningful occupation with a chronic illness or disability.

She received her EdD in Adult, Higher & Community Education from Ball State University, her MS in Occupational Therapy, and BS in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis.

Hannah T. Tyger, University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Hannah Tyger is a student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Indianapolis.

Alexandra M. Reckers, University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Alexandra Reckers is a student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Indianapolis.

Megan Johnson, University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Megan Johnson is a student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Indianapolis

Analicia M. Morales, University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Analicia Morales is a student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Indianapolis.

Lauren Ober, University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Lauren Ober is a student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Indianapoils

Mackenzie A. Williams, University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Mackenzie Williams is a student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Indianapolis

References

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Published

2023-05-11

How to Cite

Breeden, L. E., Tyger, H., Reckers, A. M., Johnson, M., Morales, A. M., Ober, L., & Williams, M. A. (2023). An Examination of Occupational Therapy Telehealth Service Delivery Among Novice Users During the COVID -19 Pandemic. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2023.6544

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Clinical Practice - COVID 19

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Lori E. Breeden, Hannah T. Tyger, Alexandra M. Reckers, Megan Johnson, Analicia M. Morales, Lauren Ober, Mackenzie A. Williams

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