Tele-occupational therapy: Getting Started with Remote Support
Tele-occupational therapy opens new possibilities for supporting patients remotely. Practical guide to get started.
Tele-occupational therapy has rapidly developed in recent years. It allows for supporting geographically distant patients, maintaining follow-up during difficult periods, and complementing in-person sessions. This guide helps you implement this practice.
📋 Framework and Indications
What tele-occupational therapy allows
- Assessments and evaluations: Some tests can be adapted remotely
- Parental guidance: Support for parents in pediatrics
- Follow-up and adjustment: Regular check-ins between in-person sessions
- Therapeutic education: Advice, demonstrations, guided exercises
- Cognitive stimulation: Remote exercises with dedicated applications
Limitations and Contraindications
- Physical manipulation: Impossible remotely
- Initial complete evaluation: Often necessary in person
- Unprepared patients: Digital divide
- Severe cognitive disorders: Difficulty using the tool
⚠️ Regulatory Framework
Telehealth for occupational therapists is not yet included in the NGAP. Billing is currently done outside the nomenclature. Check regulatory developments and the requirements of your professional insurance.
🖥️ Equipment and Tools
Necessary Equipment
Computer
HD webcam, quality microphone, stable internet connection
Secure platform
Video conferencing solution compliant with health data regulations
Applications
Cognitive stimulation tools, screen sharing
Video Conferencing Platforms
- Health dedicated solutions: Doctolib, Maiia, Medaviz (HDS compliant)
- Secure generic solutions: With GDPR precautions
- Selection criteria: Security, ease of use, features
📝 Best Practices
Before the Session
- Technical check: Test the connection and equipment
- Patient preparation: Instructions, necessary equipment
- Consent: Information and agreement from the patient
- Environment: Quiet space, appropriate lighting
During the Session
- Clear communication: Speak distinctly, check understanding
- Camera gaze: To maintain eye contact
- Adapted demonstrations: Camera angle, visible gestures
- Regular breaks: Video calls are more tiring
- Plan B: Have a backup solution in case of technical issues
💡 Use DYNSEO applications in tele-occupational therapy
COCO, JOE, and EDITH can be used for screen sharing during remote sessions. The patient can also perform exercises on their side, and you can track their progress via the professional dashboard.
🎯 Practical Applications
In Pediatrics
- Parental guidance: Advice to parents, demonstration of activities
- Supervised exercises: The child performs, the therapist guides
- School coordination: Remote meetings with teachers
In Geriatrics
- Cognitive follow-up: Stimulation exercises with EDITH
- Support for caregivers: Advice, support
- Maintaining connections: Preventing isolation
In Neurology
- Guided exercises: Movements, stretches, coordination
- Cognitive stimulation: With JOE or EDITH
- Progress tracking: Regular evaluation
🛠️ Tools for Tele-occupational Therapy
DYNSEO applications are ideal for remote practice: adapted exercises, progress tracking, sharing with patients.
Discover our tools →🎯 Conclusion
Tele-occupational therapy is a valuable complement to in-person practice. It allows for maintaining follow-up, supporting caregivers, and expanding one's area of intervention. With the right tools and an adapted methodology, it offers real therapeutic possibilities.
Cognitive stimulation applications like those from DYNSEO fit perfectly into this practice, allowing for regular patient work between sessions with remote follow-up by the therapist.
