The integration of telehealth services has seen a significant rise, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a comprehensive review titled "Barriers to Video Call-Based Telehealth in Allied Health Professions and Nursing: Scoping Review and Mapping Process" by Mavragani et al. (2023) highlights several challenges that hinder its adoption among allied health professionals and nurses. This blog post will delve into these barriers and provide actionable insights for practitioners to improve their telehealth skills and encourage further research.
Key Barriers Identified
The review identified eight main categories of barriers:
- Technology Issues: Limited access to technology, unreliable network connections, and lack of technology skills were prominent barriers. Ensuring reliable and user-friendly software, and investing in robust telecommunication infrastructure can mitigate these issues.
- Practice Issues: Diminished fidelity of observations, lack of hands-on methods, and inadequate training were major concerns. Developing specific training, guidelines, and protocols can help practitioners adapt their skills for telehealth.
- Patient Issues: Inappropriate target groups, patient behavior, and safety concerns were highlighted. Establishing clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for telehealth services can address these issues.
- Environmental Issues: Physical, sensory, and social environments can limit telehealth experiences. Conducting home assessments and providing guidance on creating a conducive environment for telehealth can be beneficial.
- Attributions: Negative attitudes towards telehealth and perceived drawbacks affect its acceptance. Providing evidence-based information on the effectiveness of telehealth can help change these perceptions.
- Policy and Regulation Issues: Privacy, security, and reimbursement issues were significant barriers. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and developing clear policies can address these concerns.
- Interpersonal Issues: Limited client-practitioner interaction and communication challenges were noted. Enhancing communication skills and using language support services can improve interactions.
- Administration Issues: Lack of support and increased workload were identified. Providing adequate administrative and technical support can alleviate these challenges.
Implementing Solutions
To overcome these barriers, practitioners can:
- Invest in reliable technology and infrastructure.
- Develop and follow specific training and guidelines for telehealth.
- Establish clear criteria for patient selection.
- Conduct home assessments to ensure a conducive environment for telehealth.
- Provide evidence-based information to change negative perceptions.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and develop clear policies.
- Enhance communication skills and use language support services.
- Provide adequate administrative and technical support.
By addressing these barriers, practitioners can improve the adoption, efficiency, and effectiveness of telehealth services.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Barriers to Video Call-Based Telehealth in Allied Health Professions and Nursing: Scoping Review and Mapping Process.
