Abstract
The American Occupational Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Telemedicine Association are collaborating to advance telehealth and ensure sustainability of virtual care services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. These professional associations represent the interests of more than 888,000 rehabilitation services professionals. This paper summarizes the current state of telehealth policy principles and priorities for rehabilitation services. The report outlines key considerations when advocating with policymakers to avoid the “Telehealth Cliff” for audiology and therapy services and to facilitate the continued advancement of telehealth innovation and transformation by rehabilitation services professionals.
Highlights
The American Occupational Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association and the American Telemedicine Association are collaborating to advance telehealth and ensure sustainability of virtual care services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic
Virtual care has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and experiences and addresses health equity challenges; these are paramount to ensuring optimal outcomes and access to quality services for all people (Bican et al, 2021; Krasovsky et al, 2021; Little et al, 2021)
The aforementioned professional organizations are working with policymakers to support legislation that will promote access to care, mitigate risks associated with COVID-19, and ensure sustainability of telehealth services beyond the pandemic
Summary
The American Occupational Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association and the American Telemedicine Association are collaborating to advance telehealth and ensure sustainability of virtual care services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed rehabilitation service delivery and impacted how health care providers, professional associations, and their members have implemented telehealth and telepractice. Rehabilitation services professionals include occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathology assistants, audiologists, and other members of the care team who serve individuals across the lifespan in all health care settings, facilities, and specialty areas.
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