How OTs Are Adapting to the Rise in Telehealth and Hybrid Care Models
As telehealth and hybrid care models continue to expand, occupational therapists (OTs) are discovering new ways to innovate and adapt their practices. Driven by advancements in technology and the need for accessible patient care, these models are reshaping the OT profession, creating unique opportunities while demanding flexibility and creativity.
This article explores how OTs are navigating this changing landscape, the impact on career opportunities like travel occupational therapy, and what these trends mean for the future.
The Rise of Telehealth in Occupational Therapy
Telehealth has proven to be a game-changer for delivering OT services, especially during the pandemic. Through video conferencing and remote monitoring tools, therapists can now work with patients in real time from anywhere, making therapy more accessible for individuals living in remote or underserved areas.
This approach is being widely embraced for its ability to provide more flexible care options while reducing travel time and costs for patients and therapists alike. For example, an OT offering telehealth services can evaluate a child’s home setup in real-time or guide an elderly patient through exercises in their own living space.
While flexibility is the hallmark of telehealth, it also comes with the challenge of maintaining patient engagement without the in-person connection many are accustomed to. OTs are rising to the occasion by incorporating creative tools, such as virtual reality exercises and interactive games, to keep therapy sessions engaging.
Hybrid Models Offer the Best of Both Worlds
While telehealth has undeniable benefits, there are situations where hands-on care is irreplaceable, such as adjusting mobility equipment or teaching fine motor skills through tactile guidance. This need has pushed many OTs to adopt hybrid care models, which combine the convenience of virtual sessions with the effectiveness of in-person visits.
For example, an OT in a hybrid model might conduct an initial evaluation in person to assess a patient’s physical needs. Subsequent sessions could focus on progress monitoring, virtual coaching, and refining patient adherence to exercises.
Hybrid models offer the flexibility to change session formats based on patient progress, fostering better outcomes. For OTs in travel positions, these models also allow for more consistent communication with both patients and other healthcare providers, making transitions across assignments smoother.
Adapting Skill Sets for These Growing Trends
The rise of telehealth and hybrid models has prompted OTs to develop new skill sets, including proficiency with digital tools and enhanced communication techniques for virtual interactions. Familiarity with platforms like Zoom or Doxy.me is now essential, as is an understanding of how to assess and adapt a patient’s physical environment remotely.
Additionally, therapists are refining their ability to build rapport and trust in a virtual setting. Visual cues and tone of voice become critical for interpreting patient needs, with therapists employing interactive demonstrations or screen-sharing to bridge the gap caused by physical distance.
For traveling occupational therapists, these trends open up even more opportunities, as telehealth allows them to work with remotely located patients while exploring new assignments in diverse settings. It also broadens the pipeline for best paying occupational therapy jobs, with facilities seeking versatile, tech-savvy OTs who can excel in these evolving care models.
Maximize Your Career Potential with AMN Healthcare
Whether you're eager to explore the flexibility of telehealth, find a travel occupational therapy salary package that matches your lifestyle, or discover the best paying occupational therapy jobs, AMN Healthcare can connect you with opportunities that match your goals. With access to a wide range of assignments and support for telehealth roles, AMN is here to help you advance your career in any care model.
Start your next adventure today with AMN Healthcare!
