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may have work or family commitments that may hinder
them from attending the hospital for an update meeting
with the multidisciplinary team, could continue.
‘From an occupational therapy environmental visit
perspective, depending on the circumstances, there
would definitely be a place for this to continue. But
this would depend on the individual circumstances
– whether the relative had access to an iPad or
smartphone, and whether the therapist felt the relative
would be able to obtain reliable measurements on
their behalf, particularly in the case of equipment
compatibility, equipment provision or assessing space
or access.
‘Having the ability to take a screen-shot of the
environment, room or furniture from the video call
would be a great addition to quantifying any issues or
problems that may be raised alongside the anecdote in
the reports we write.’
‘I have many years of experience co-ordinating
complex discharge planning, and have the confidence
and expertise to be able to direct and obtain the
information required, competently using remote/video
platforms, so I certainly believe this helps.’
In conclusion Kate says: ‘Video platforms have
been an incredibly positive change brought on by the
COVID-19 pandemic, and it actually makes me wonder
why we’ve never utilised them before. There’s certainly
a place for them to continue, even when hospital
visiting resumes.’
Kate McGoldrick, specialist
occupational therapist, Ward
2, New Victoria Hospital,
Glasgow. Email: Kate.
McGoldrick@ggc.
scot.nhs.uk