ABSTRACT
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the outcomes of telehealth occupational therapy service delivery versus traditional in-person service delivery for children during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using three academic databases, a search string including the following keywords, telehealth, occupational, and child, returned 825 articles. Five articles were selected for full-text review after screening and employing the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A quality appraisal was completed, leaving two articles in this systematic review. Researchers found that moderate evidence supports the use of telehealth to disseminate occupational therapy service delivery. Researchers also found substantial evidence that supports the use of telehealth in overall satisfaction with services compared to traditional in-person therapy services. This systematic review confirms that telehealth has improved access to occupational therapy services. Further research needs to be conducted on the efficacy of specific interventions in the telehealth setting. © 2023 Taylor & Francis.
ABSTRACT
Background: Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming (TGNC) people continue to experience severe health discrimination and limited access to care. Methods: Using survey data collected during August-September, 2020, we report on our findings regarding volunteer provider and patient satisfaction with a student-run free gender-affirming care telehealth clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Results: We find that patients report overall excellent experiences with telehealth care, primarily due to decreased transportation burden, more efficient use of time, and more frequent communication with student volunteer providers. Conclusion: Our findings show that telehealth is a viable option for student-run clinics in the TGNC community.
ABSTRACT
In response to COVID-19, mental health clinics transitioned to telehealth to maintain psychotherapy delivery. Community mental health (CMH) settings, which are often under-resourced, likely experienced many barriers. This study examined CMH clinicians' experiences transitioning to telehealth. Data came from a state-funded initiative training CMH clinicians in cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants (N = 197) completed pre-training and post-consultation surveys which included questions about their experiences with telehealth. Most clinicians found telehealth beneficial and effective. Clinicians strongly endorsed wanting telehealth as an option even after in-person services resume. CMH clinicians rated "engaging younger children" as the most significant barrier to telehealth. Despite some telehealth barriers, clinicians generally viewed telehealth favorably and prefer having it as a long-term option. Future work should continue to understand when telehealth may be advantageous and for whom in order to improve the accessibility and quality of behavioral health services.