Telehealth

Question 1

What is telehealth?

Answer 1

Virtual healthcare refers to the delivery of health services and information via digital platforms, such as video conferencing, mobile apps, and online portals.
Rise of telehealth since COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 2

What is the role of kinesiology in virtual healthcare?

Answer 2

Kinesiologists have a large focus on human movement, exercise, and rehabilitation with limited hands on service (typically).
Kinesiologists are in a prime position to use virtual platforms to deliver exercise prescriptions, monitor patient progress, and provide educational resources.

Question 3

What skills are pertinent in ensuring safe care in telehealth?

Answer 3

Computer, security and privacy knowledge, private environment, communication (have 50 ways to describe one thing), and assessing vitals virtually compared to in person.

Question 4

Benefits of Virtual Healthcare in Kinesiology

Answer 4

Accessibility
Convenience
Continuity of Care
Data tracking
Disease mitigation
*telehealth service delivery can be appropriate provided the kinesiologist operates within their scope of practice, competency, and abides by the BCAK’s code of ethics, professional practice standards, and other guiding documents.

Question 5

Accessibility

Answer 5

Increased access to care for patient in remote or underserved areas

Question 6

Convenience

Answer 6

Flexibility in scheduling and reduced need for travel, making it easier for patients to adhere to treatment plans.

Question 7

Continuity of Care

Answer 7

Ensures continuous support even during times when in-person visits may not be possible

Question 8

Data Tracking

Answer 8

Use of wearable technology and apps to monitor patient progress in real time.
Tracking of home exercise plans (HEP) using accessible software systems.

Question 9

Disease Mitigation

Answer 9

Prevent infection or transmission of communicable disease between themselves and the healthcare practitioners, other client(s) or people in their community.

Question 10

Tools and Technologies for Telehealth

Answer 10

EMR, HEP, and Video Conferencing
Wearable Devices
Mobile Apps

Question 11

EMR, HEP, and Video Conferencing

Answer 11

Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft teams, Embodia, JaneApp, for virtual consultations and sessions designed for remote patient engagement and management.

Question 12

Wearable Devices

Answer 12

Integration of devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches for monitoring physical activity, heart rate, and other vital signs

Question 13

Mobile Apps

Answer 13

Use of apps for exercise tracking, instructional videos, and patient education

Question 14

Implementation Strategies

Answer 14

Setting up a virtual practice.
Patient onboarding.

Question 15

Setting up a Virtual Practice

Answer 15

Technical requirements - hardware (computers, cameras), software, and a stable internet connection.
Legal and ethical considerations - understanding licensing requirement, privacy laws (ie. PIPA compliance) and informed consent

Question 16

Patient Onboarding

Answer 16

There is an increasing number of patients that are comfortable with virtual care, however, many still need in depth instruction

Question 17

Virtual Treatment Approaches

Answer 17

Exercise Prescription
Rehabilitation Programs
Health Education

Question 18

Exercise Prescription and Virtual Healthcare

Answer 18

Design and deliver individualized exercise programs remotely, including the use of video demonstrations and progress tracking

Question 19

Rehabilitation Programs and Virtual Healthcare

Answer 19

Managing post-surgery or injury rehabilitation through virtual sessions, ensuring proper technique and adherence to the program

Question 20

Health Education and Virtual Healthcare

Answer 20

Providing resources and education on topics such as posture, ergonomics, and injury prevention via webinars, videos, or online materials

Question 21

Limitations and Considerations

Answer 21

Technical barriers
Engagement and adherence
Increased risk
Privacy
Limitations
*if virtual care will result in known increased risk of injury or a significant reduction in treatment effectiveness, virtual care should be avoided and in person care should be utilized

Question 22

Technical Barriers

Answer 22

Issues such as poor internet connectivity, lack of access to necessary technology and patient tech literacy

Question 23

Engagement and Adherence

Answer 23

Strategies to keep patients motivated and engaged in their treatment plans without the physical presence of a clinician

Question 24

Increased Risk

Answer 24

Virtual services result in a significant increase in risk of injury to a client due to the lack of in-person supervision to provide assistance such as preventing a fall, or providing emergency assistance when necessary

Question 25

Privacy

Answer 25

Virtual service delivery results in an increased risk of a person privacy breach, including exposure of personal health information, which requires access to a private space to communicate and access to secure electronic means of communication

Question 26

Limitations

Answer 26

Acknowledging the limitations of virtual care such as the inability to perform hands on assessments or interventions

Question 27

Prior to offering virtual care you must ensure…

Answer 27

Systems are compliant with PIPA-BC (not all platforms are safe and secure for sharing personal medical information).
Established safety protocol for EMS services should an emergency take place (emergency contact).
Ensure informed consent is obtained with benefits and risk cleared.
Privacy policy should be shared with the client receiving telehealth care.
You can only offer it after completing an appropriate assessment of risks and the treatment requirement.
-usually have first session in person with them
Ensure alternate communication options are set up in case internet options fail.