With the ever-present cloud of COVID-19 hanging over our heads, we have all been thrust into a position of change. We are navigating social distancing, juggling working from home with home-schooling, and finding new ways to connect and maintain the services we depend on. In this unusual time, The Rainbow Clinic remains dedicated to supporting families, and our online occupational therapy services allow us to stay connected and continue to provide quality care. But how does online occupational therapy work?
For those who know OT, you would be aware that so much of what we do is physical, it is hands on. But the services occupational therapists provide can be transferred to the online space with great success. In fact, many OT’s have offered online services to families in remote locations for years. Through telehealth, OTs deliver interactive therapy intervention, consultations, and educational programs with the same principals as face-to-face sessions. In this article, I will explain the what, how and why of online occupational therapy.
What is Online Occupational Therapy?
Online services or telehealth encompass the application of intervention, evaluation, diagnostic and therapeutic services via multipoint interactive telecommunication technology. In less ‘tech speak’, this basically means that we can use a good internet connection a device and apps to deliver our services directly to you in the comfort of your own home.
Telehealth was originally established to deliver health care to those in remote areas or underserved areas. In this current climate, access to services is incredibly important, and the provision of online occupational therapy ensures families can access quality care, information, and support in variety of contexts.
With a high-speed internet connection and a device (laptop, desktop, tablet or even phone), you and your family can connect with a qualified paediatric occupational therapist and continue to build essential skills and independence.
Online occupational therapy appointments can include one-on-one therapy for children and adolescents, parent support sessions and assessments. Depending on the child’s goals, abilities and assessment, online OT sessions can focus on one or more of the following:
- Fine Motor Skills (scissor skills, pen grip, handwriting etc)
- Gross Motor Skills (coordination, postural strength, upper-limb control, balance etc)
- Emotional and Sensory Regulation (process and respond to sensory stimuli and certain situations)
- Visual Motor Integration (hand-eye coordination and visual processing etc)
- Functional Independence (toileting, bathing, feeding etc)
- Attention and Behaviour (positive behaviours)
- Adapting Aids (assessment and integration of specialised equipment)
While online sessions look different to that of a face-to-face appointment (no physical contact), all activities are interactive, engaging and fun. Our OT’s ensure that your family has the tools and equipment required to ensure the effective delivery of care and support when you need it.
How Does Online Occupational Therapy Work?
Just like a face-to-face appointment, online occupational therapy sessions are driven by your child’s goals and what level of support your family requires. Your OT will determine the best approach based on assessments, which can be conducted online, and from discussions with you.
The Rainbow Clinic OT’s utilise the first online session or initial consultation to talk with you about where your child is up to, particularly in relation to the changes they have experienced because of COVID-19.
From here, your OT will develop session plans based on your child’s abilities and interests. For younger children who are not yet able to sit in front of a camera or operate a computer, we adopt the parent-based model which enables our OT’s to work directly with you, the parent. During parent-based sessions, your child’s OT will provide you with the support and training you need to deliver certain activities or ‘therapy’ at home. The idea is that we empower you to be your child’s teacher or therapist and help them develop the essential skills we would otherwise work on in a face-to-face session. Your OT will also provide access to any resources and information including online programs, games and activities so you can support your child in everyday contexts.
For school-aged children and those who can actively participate in an online OT session, our OT’s will utilise fun, interactive, and engaging activities based on their interest to help them work towards their goals. These activities will be based on what is available to them at home or done within their individual setting, and could include scavenger hunts for items of a certain colour or that start with a certain letter, games like musical statues, craft utilising items from the home, drawing, cutting and even interactive computer-based learning.
Additional resources and support materials are usually provided via email and will aid in the delivery of each online service. The team at The Rainbow Clinic are also proactive in helping you get your kids outdoors and exploring their own backyards. We are continuously coming up with new and interesting ideas for you to try, and your OT will provide information on these activities at the end of each session.
What Are the Benefits of Telehealth?
Just like face-to-face appointments, online occupational therapy sessions offer parents and children an opportunity to continue to build their skills and gain independence. But online services mean this can happen in the comfort of your own home. With an ability to jump online at a pre-determined time, you and your child can access quality services and support despite the situation, location or challenges that your family may face.
Additional benefits of online OT services include:
- Increased capacity and access to quality services
- Efficient and flexible method of delivery
- Affordable access with no travel
- Engaging and interactive intervention and therapy sessions
- Fun and novel approach to something that may be challenging
- Increased opportunities for parent / family involvement
- Greater opportunities for reinforcement and practice
- Exploration of computer applications and understanding
Research also suggests that the online context offers the same, if not improved outcomes for children. When we think about those who may be challenged by face-to-face contexts, the online environment is the perfect way to help them access services and build their skills.
What Do I Need for a Successful Online OT Session?
The first thing you will need to access online OT services is a good internet connection. In addition to this you will require one of the following:
Computer
We support both Macs and PCs (macOS, Windows and Linux). All you need is an internal or external web camera, microphone and speakers. Most modern computers have these built-in already
Tablet
Both iPads and Android Tablets can be used for our service. Just ensure your tablet has a front-facing camera, microphone and speaker built in. Alternatively, you can utilise headphones or earbuds that incorporate a microphone. It would also be good to have some sort of stand for your tablet, so your child has free hands to play and make.
Other items that can help your OT deliver the best online session include:
- Paper – plain and lined
- Pens, pencils, crayons
- Scissors
- Ruler
- A mini whiteboard or blackboard with pens / chalk
- Playdough and / or putty
- Space for your child to move / dance
Your OT will talk through any other requirements prior to your first session. But rest assured, you will not be required to purchase anything new. We will only use items that you already have on hand (you might be surprised at some of the interesting uses we think up for your general household items).
Will Online Occupational Therapy Help My Child?
The short answer is absolutely. While online sessions may not be ideal for all families, they are certainly an excellent solution as we navigate this challenging time.
Staying connected and ensuring your child can continue to build their skills and develop independence when it comes to everyday activities is perhaps the proverbial silver lining of this particularly dark cloud.
As always, The Rainbow Clinic is here to shine the light, and make sure the rainbow shines brighter than the challenges we are all facing. If you would like to take advantage of our online occupational therapy services, talk to our team today. We will walk you through each step of the process and ensure your child can reach their goals.
