What is tele-occupational therapy and what does it allow?

Tele-occupational therapy is a remote practice that allows supporting geographically distant patients, maintaining follow-up during difficult periods, and complementing in-person sessions. It enables assessments and evaluations, parental guidance in pediatrics, follow-up and adjustment sessions, therapeutic education, and cognitive stimulation through remote exercises with dedicated applications.

What are the main limitations and contraindications of tele-occupational therapy?

The main limitations include the impossibility of physical manipulation remotely, the need for initial complete evaluation to be done in person, challenges with unprepared patients due to digital divide, and difficulties for patients with severe cognitive disorders who may have trouble using the technology tools.

What equipment is necessary for tele-occupational therapy?

The necessary equipment includes a computer with HD webcam, quality microphone, and stable internet connection. Additionally, you need a secure video conferencing platform that complies with health data regulations, and applications for cognitive stimulation tools and screen sharing capabilities.

What types of assessments and interventions can be conducted remotely?

Remote tele-occupational therapy can include adapted assessments and evaluations, parental guidance sessions especially in pediatrics, regular follow-up and adjustment sessions between in-person visits, therapeutic education with advice and demonstrations, guided exercises, and cognitive stimulation using dedicated remote applications.

How can tele-occupational therapy complement traditional in-person sessions?

Tele-occupational therapy serves as a valuable complement to in-person sessions by providing regular check-ins and follow-up between face-to-face appointments, maintaining continuity of care during difficult periods, offering ongoing therapeutic education and guidance, and enabling remote cognitive stimulation exercises that support the overall treatment plan.

Getting Started with Tele-Occupational Therapy Guide

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.

Tele-occupational therapy: Getting Started with Remote Support