Kiddipedia
Telehealth, or online therapy, is not a new invention. In fact, organisations have been delivering services such as speech and occupational therapy via telehealth for many years. Since COVID-19, the world of teleheath has expanded exponentially. It is now estimated that over three million Australians are using telehealth services ranging from GP appointments, specialist appointments and allied health services. This shift in the supply of services provide greater accessibility and convenience for many people, but there are still some common misconceptions around telehealth.
The most common misconception is that telehealth cannot be as effective as in person sessions. However, recent research in telehealth tells us that it is as effective as in person-therapy – relationships and therapy outcomes are just as good as they are in person. As long as you have a wi-fi connection or a phone, you can access telehealth. And even if the internet connection cuts out, your therapist can give you a call to connect with you.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been increasingly difficult to access services, and with the current phase 2 lockdown in Melbourne, it is difficult to see an end in sight. One of the biggest benefits of telehealth is accessibility. As a parent, I know how hard it can be to get to appointments – with telehealth, therapy is delivered in your own home. Your child can stay in their PJs if needed! There is also no travel time to appointments, and no dragging all your kids to each appointment.
Also, with telehealth, issues can be observed in real time. So, the fussiness or issues at mealtimes that you try and describe in the appointment can be experienced by your therapist in real time because they can be there on the iPad coaching and counselling you through it.
At Umbo, we are seeing these practical benefits and the accessibility of therapy as a game changer for many parents. Not only are there low wait times for appointments, but the service is flexible and works to meet the family’s needs. If an early morning appointment works for you and the therapist, there is no reason that a 7.30am appointment can’t be undertaken. If you had to attend a clinic, this would be much less likely. There is also a benefit for the clinician to see your child in their family environment to understand how they can work with the family as a whole, and deliver a more personalised service to each family.
So, how do you navigate engaging in telehealth?
- Work out what works for you and your family. Simultaneously home-schooling, working and undertaking therapy is hard right now. Cut yourself some slack – find a therapist who will make your and your child’s life easier and ensure that you do what works well for your family right now.
- Find a provider who is skilled in telehealth. It isn’t simply about just transferring the work in a clinic to an online environment, so it is important to find a clinician who is experienced. At Umbo, all our clinicians are trained specifically in telehealth and deliver care to many families across Australia.
Francesca Pinzone is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of online allied health services provider, Umbo. She is passionate about bringing health services to children in rural communities and removing social inequalities. She has a MA in International Public Health from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact from the University of NSW, and a Bachelor of Science, Nursing from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Francesca has over 12 years of experience working in non-profit organisations and in international development, having previously worked with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Pakistan, UNICEF in India and CanTeen in Australia, and also currently teaches Creating Social Change: From Innovation to Impact at UNSW Sydney with the Centre for Social Impact.
She is also a mother of a child who has received speech therapy.
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