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Virtual home assessments could reduce the need for in-person visits , new research shows
Researchers in Sheffield have worked with service users and local healthcare professionals , including occupational therapists , to evaluate the pros and cons of virtual home assessments .
The service users and professionals gave feedback on virtual assessments in general , and also on a new video conferencing tool , and provided insights into how the assessments and the tool could be improved .
The guidelines cover security , privacy and service user choice , among other issues . They are intended to help professionals create services that are practical , effective , and secure .
Lauren Walker , RCOT Professional Adviser commented : ‘ We ’ ve seen a rapid increase in the use of virtual assessments by occupational therapists , initially as a necessary and practical response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
‘ RCOT members have reported both advantages and disadvantages to this approach so it ’ s great to see this research exploring the opportunities and challenges that virtual assessment can present in the context of home assessment .
‘ Crucially , the study includes the perspectives of the public and notes the importance of giving service users choice in the decision to complete an assessment remotely .
‘ We encourage all OTs to consider how the findings of this study might influence the delivery of their own services . The study notes that virtual assessments can create cost and time savings , which is an important consideration when many occupational therapy services are experiencing increased demand coupled with workforce shortages .
‘ This must be considered alongside the needs and preferences of the people receiving services , especially in terms of barriers to accessing digital technology .’
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Occupational therapist promotes our role in primary care on local radio
Occupational therapist Julia Clifford , whose work was first showcased in OTnews in October 2022 , has been interviewed by Toby Foster on BBC Radio Sheffield about her role in primary care , as well as other roles that have been created as part of the additional role reimbursement scheme . She says of the opportunity : ‘ BBC Radio Sheffield was broadcasting live from one of the five GP practices I cover , at Birley Health Centre , as part of a series featuring different services in the NHS throughout the week in order to take the current temperature of the NHS .
‘ While it was a case of “ feel the fear and do it anyway ”, being my first time on live radio , I found it a fantastic experience to be part of the surgery team being interviewed . It was a great opportunity to talk about the different way we work across the five GP practices , what we offer patients living with frailty , and how we take some pressure of the GP practice staff .’
She adds : ‘ I would say to all occupational therapists , take up every opportunity to publicise your work , through any channel that is open to you . Being proactive helps in putting yourself forward when opportunities arise .
‘ Social media is a good source to look for opportunities ; in this case , BBC Radio Sheffield had asked on social media for a GP practice to take part and the Birley Health Centre volunteered .
‘ Getting support from colleagues who have experience of the media can make a huge difference . Specific to radio , before going on , I got some really helpful advice , which was to identify three key messages to communicate .
‘ For me , this was to : clearly explain my role and “ offer ” as an occupational therapist in primary care working with the older patient population ; convey how we work as occupational therapists in relation to patient centred practice and “ what matters to me ”; and highlight the work we do to support prevention and anticipatory care . This was helpful to provide a framework for the interview .’
She concludes : ‘ Using case examples also works well to bring what we do alive as occupational therapists in primary care for the audience . This illuminates for the listener the types of interventions we can offer patients and families .’
February 2023 OTnews 15