Interdisciplinary Teams and Telehealth: 21st Century. OT & SLP Collaboration. Lesley Edwards-Gaither MA CCC-SLP. Rachel Morris, OTR/L. Howard University.
Interdisciplinary Teams and Telehealth: 21st Century OT & SLP Collaboration Lesley Edwards-Gaither MA CCC-SLP Howard University
Introduction Clinicians working via telehealth face several professional, clinical and logistical challenges. A “Virtual Interdisciplinary Team” approach can be utilized for online mentoring and development of Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists and other professionals working via telehealth. To promote success individually and as a team, clinicians from each discipline can collaborate, problem-solve and engage in online team building while working in the K-12 setting.
Rachel Morris, OTR/L PresenceLearning
Elements of a Telehealth Interdisciplinary Team OTs
SLPs
Develop Relationships/Mentoring
Virtual/Online Environment Share Resources and Materials
Share Pertinent Information
On-Site Staff
Key Terms
Telepractice-defined as “the application of telecommunications technology to the delivery of speech language pathology and audiology professional services at a distance by linking clinician to client/patient or clinician to clinician for assessment, intervention, and/or consultation” (ASHA, 2017). Telerehabilitation-includes “rehabilitation occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, assistive technologists, rehabilitation physicians, audiologists, educators, and other telehealth agencies involved in applying computer-based technologies and telecommunications to improve access to rehabilitation services and support independent living” (ATA, 2017).
“[Using videoconferencing] helps to see everyone and makes it seem more personal as if you were together in the same room. It's a great way to get together with busy schedules and not all living near each other.”
“Building the strong bonds needed for open and trusting communication with the other therapists takes more effort and more time as we do not often have face to face communication with each other.”
“It doesn't seem that different to me since it is so difficult in a brick and mortar to coordinate schedules with other staff. Email seems to be the way to connect whether you are in the same building or three states away! It was always very rare for me to have the chance to meet face to face with OT's.”
”Resources and therapy activities can be easily and quickly shared between OTs and SLPs…”
“There is a learning curve for ensuring that all goes smoothly with tech, camera, etc.…”
“Communication with other therapists is simple, convenient and easily available. At the end of the day or on the weekend, etc. when there is a concern regarding a student, emails can be sent/read when it is convenient for each therapist.“
Mentor
Factors Influencing the Telehealth Interdisciplinary Team Clinician • • • • •
Telehealth-defined as “the application of evaluative, consultative, preventative, and therapeutic services delivered through telecommunication and information technologies”(AOTA, 2013).
Experienced Clinicians
BMHP Telehealth Setting
Objectives Team Problem Solving
Clinicians’ Perspectives Novice Clinicians
Cultural Background Personality Traits Professional and Clinical Experiences Access to Tools and Equipment Technical Competency
Telehealth Training and Mentoring • Education on Telehealth Regulations and Ethics • Introduction to Electronic Resources such as Electronic Documents and Video Conferencing • Practice Virtual Therapy Sessions • Ideas and Feedback from a Telehealth Mentor
Equipment Physical Equipment • Computer (laptop, desktop) • Webcam (internal/external) • Audio (headset)
Online Resources • Video conferencing software • High-Speed connection • Secure File Sharing • Online Document Storage
Site Specific Conditions • • • • •
School Cultural Considerations Openness to and Comfort with Technology Availability of School Personnel Policies and Procedures Quality of Internet Connection and Equipment
Communication Protocols • • • • •
Communication Preferences of all Parties Frequency of Meetings and Interactions Mode (Video, Chat, Phone, or Email) Social Media Meeting and Communications Etiquette
References American Occupational Therapy Association (2013). Telehealth. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(Suppl.), S69–S90. American Occupational Therapy Association (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: domains and process (3rd Edition). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(Suppl.1):S1-S48. American Speech-Language Hearing Association (2017). Telepractice overview. American Speech-Language Hearing Association (2017). Interprofessional education/Interprofessional practice (IPE/IPP). Estes, J. (2013). The American Occupational Therapy Association advisory opinion for the ethics commission: telehealth.
