The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for the widespread adoption of telehealth across the healthcare system. While the technology pre-dated the pandemic, its use was initially met with scepticism, as many preferred to retain traditional in-person care models. However, the fundamental transformation of healthcare during the pandemic made telehealth a vital service delivery option when traditional models were impractical. 

Telehealth has proven advantageous in addressing ongoing challenges in the post-pandemic period, such as rising costs, access to timely services in regional and remote areas, and high demand for healthcare. By allowing users to access Medicare-subsidised consultations from the comfort of their homes, telehealth has reduced barriers to access and the overall cost of services. 

Allied health practitioners have embraced telehealth as a mode of service delivery, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dietitians. This has enabled the continuity of care while ensuring patient/client safety, and has led to research on the effectiveness, safety, and patient/client satisfaction of telehealth across multiple healthcare disciplines, with encouraging results. 

While the initial acceptance of telehealth was high during the pandemic, the return to face-to-face services has led to a decline due to misconceptions in. However, the benefits of telehealth, combined with ongoing budgetary considerations, suggest that it will continue to play a significant role in the delivery of allied health services.  

Outlined below are some of the common misconceptions: 

Misconception 1: Telehealth cannot replicate hands-on assessments or physical presence 

One of the most common misconceptions about telehealth is that it cannot effectively replicate the hands-on assessments traditionally conducted in face-to-face interactions. Services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, and behaviour support are often perceived as requiring physical presence for accurate evaluation. 

Reality: Many allied health services can be administered via telehealth. Exercise prescriptions, advice on home setup for improved functionality, balance retraining, and functional skills development are just a few examples of services that can be successfully delivered remotely. While it’s true that some assessments benefit from in-person interaction, advancements in technology have made remote assessments increasingly sophisticated and accurate. High-quality video conferencing, coupled with AI-powered assessment software, now enables practitioners to conduct detailed evaluations of body movement, speech patterns, and functional capabilities. These tools often provide data-driven insights that complement traditional assessment methods. 

Recent systematic review published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (2022) demonstrates that telehealth can effectively deliver interventions and positive outcomes for clients with neurological, physical and cognitive impairments and chronic pain (1) equal to that of more traditional face to face service delivery models. The flexibility of virtual sessions enables therapists to observe clients in their natural settings, which can enhance the assessment process and treatment planning. Additionally, the study notes that telehealth has increased access for individuals in rural areas, addressing longstanding disparities in occupational therapy service delivery. 

Misconception 2: Telehealth Cannot Provide Adequate Support for Complex Needs 

There’s a misconception that telehealth is unsuitable for NDIS participants with more complex physical needs and those effecting language and speech.

Reality: Telehealth can be effectively complemented with in-person support to address specific needs. For assessments or interventions requiring physical assistance, support workers can be arranged to facilitate participation in telehealth sessions. This hybrid approach ensures that even participants with significant disabilities or cognitive impairments can benefit from telehealth services. 

A meta-analysis conducted by Scott, Clark & Glasziou (2022) published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, confirmed that telehealth is a viable equally effective alternative to in-person therapy for children with speech and language disorders (2). The review found that outcomes in terms of speech improvement were similar across both modalities. Furthermore, telehealth allows for increased parental involvement and support, which is crucial in the developmental stages of children and capacity building for support of ongoing therapy. 

Misconception 3: Telehealth Compromises the Quality of Care 

There can often be concerns that the quality of care provided through telehealth is inferior to in-person services. 

Reality: Telehealth often enhances the quality of care by improving access and continuity of treatment. It allows for more frequent check-ins, real-time monitoring of progress, and immediate adjustments to treatment plans. Furthermore, telehealth enables participants to receive care in their familiar home environment, which can lead to more accurate assessments and more effective interventions. 

Misconception 4: Telehealth Lacks Government Support and Recognition 

Some may believe that telehealth is not officially recognized or supported for NDIS participants. 

Reality: The Australian Government has explicitly endorsed telehealth through Medicare and NDIS funding. This recognition underscores the government’s understanding of telehealth’s role in improving accessibility and continuity of care, especially for those with disabilities or those living in remote areas. 

Misconception 5: Telehealth is a Temporary Solution 

There’s a misconception that telehealth is merely a stopgap measure, implemented due to circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be phased out once in-person services fully resume. 

Reality: While the pandemic certainly accelerated the adoption of telehealth, it has proven its value beyond being just a temporary solution. The flexibility, accessibility, and effectiveness of telehealth have established it as a permanent and evolving component of healthcare delivery, including allied health services under the NDIS. 

As we continue to embrace technological advancements in healthcare, it’s crucial to recognise telehealth as a valid and valuable option for allied health screening and services for NDIS participants. While in-person interactions will always have their place in healthcare delivery, telehealth offers unique advantages in terms of accessibility, flexibility, and continuity of care. 

By debunking these misconceptions, we can foster a more inclusive approach to healthcare that leverages the best of both in-person and remote services. As telehealth technology continues to evolve, it promises to play an increasingly significant role in providing high-quality, accessible allied health services to NDIS participants across Australia.