Integrating telehealth services into a remote allied health service: A pilot study

ProblemThe continuity of care for people with neurological conditions in a remote northwest Queensland town as services are currently only available intermittently. DesignMixed methods design using questionnaires and staff review of the program and processes. SettingIntermittent community rehabilitation service for clients with neurological conditions has been offered in Mount Isa and is supported by a similar fulltime service in Townsville. Both services use a unique client-centred, student-assisted, interprofessional model of care. Key measures for improvementUnderstanding participant experiences by obtaining feedback from clients, students and allied health professionals (AHPs) regarding their experiences of using telehealth in this setting. Strategy for changePrevious clients of the North West Community Rehabilitation service were offered a review assessment using telehealth by an interprofessional team. Effects of changeUsing telehealth enabled the client, remote AHP and students in Mount Isa to be connected to expert assistance in Townsville. Lessons learntThe findings suggest that telehealth was useful in a community rehabilitation setting to provide review services for clients. This improved continuity of care for these clients because without this telehealth assessment, the clients would have had to wait up to 12 months for the next service period in Mount Isa or travel to a major urban centre to access a similar service. Feedback from clients, students and AHPs was positive; however, some challenges were identified. Recommendations for future service delivery using telehealth are outlined in the paper.