WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?

Telehealth is essentially a video call. A Telehealth appointment is just like a regular appointment, only the clinician you will be working with, is on a screen in front of you with sound coming through your speakers. This could be a phone, computer, or tablet screen so long as it has speakers and a camera.

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Telehealth is a new concept to most people but it has been used effectively for years, particularly in rural and remote areas where accessing services is sometimes difficult. We hope the following information provides you with the answers you need to decide if a Telehealth appointment is going to meet your needs. If you are not sure, call our Thrive team on 8632 1100 or email via admin@thrivehealthgroup.com.au. We'd be happy to help!

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WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT?

Almost anybody!

Unless you have an issue you require hands on treatment for or you require a specialized piece of equipment that is only available on site (e.g. hydrotherapy​ pool, Pilates equipment, larger gymnasium equipment), there is a high likelihood that Telehealth can work for you. 

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As there are so many different types of clients that access our wide range of services, we have gained experience in adapting almost all of our assessment and therapy services to work via Telehealth. We would be happy to discuss and adapt a plan for yourself, your child, or your loved on. You may well be surprised by how well it works!

HOW CAN WE ASSESS THINGS PROPERLY WITH A TELEHEALTH CONSULT?

With all of our services, we start by gaining a good understanding of the problem via asking questions. Therefore, this portion of the assessment won't be affected at all by a Telehealth consult.

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After we have gained some details from you, we will already have a pretty good idea what is going on but we may need to test our theory to make our assessment more accurate. This may be done by asking you to complete some movements, activities, or tests for us. It may also require a parent, loved one, or friend to help. 

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Interestingly, there is significant evidence to suggest that Telehealth is just as accurate/effective as face to face consults when assessing and treating clients (Speyer et al. 2017)!

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Speyer, R, Denman, D, Wilkes-Gillan, S, , Chen, Y, Bogaardt, H, Kim, J, Heckathorn, D & Cordier, R 2017, 'Effects of telehealth by allied health professionals and nurses in rural and remote areas: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, Vol. 50.

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WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

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• A computer, laptop or tablet work best for Telehealth but you can also use a smart phone.

• The device needs a speaker (to hear the clinician), a microphone (to be able to speak with the clinician), and a camera (so that the clinician can see you). Almost all of the before-mentioned devices that are less than 5 years old have these functions.

• An internet connection or adequate data on your phone.

• You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details on how to connect.

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WHAT ARE SOME OTHER BENEFITS OF TELEHEALTH?

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• Improved access to health services for people who are in isolation and for rural and remote communities.

• Preventing interruption of existing therapy or assessment services via COVID-19.

• Receiving a service in the comfort of your own home.

• Reduced travel.

• Reduced need to make lengthy family or day care arrangements.

• Reduced time off work to attend appointments.

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