Telehealth is a growing field for all medical practitioners, but it really hasn’t grown that much in the field of therapy.
Occupational therapists are embracing new opportunities to connect with patients and provide care. Telehealth, the remote delivery of healthcare services using digital communication technology, has emerged as a transformative force in the field. For occupational therapists looking to expand their skill set and adapt to this changing environment, MedBridge offers a comprehensive suite of telehealth courses.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of telehealth in occupational therapy and how MedBridge’s courses can help you thrive in this dynamic era of healthcare.
The Telehealth Revolution in Occupational Therapy
Telehealth has gained widespread recognition for its potential to enhance access to occupational therapy services, particularly for individuals in remote or underserved areas. It provides a means for therapists to:
- Reach a broader patient base
- Increase convenience
- Improve continuity of care
- Enhance safety
Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers, allowing therapists to extend their expertise to patients far and wide. It provides patients with access to OT services from the comfort of their homes, reducing travel time and expenses.
Telehealth enables therapists to maintain consistent communication with patients, fostering better treatment outcomes. It also reduces exposure to infection especially for patients who are at high risk for immune compromise.
Why Choose MedBridge for Telehealth Courses?
Medbridge just recently released their New Telehealth Micro-Learning Course Series with seven micro-learning videos to help practitioners level up their career.
This new series is meant to help practitioners translate their years of in-person treatment experience to the virtual environment by introducing providers to best practice strategies for delivering optimal patient care in the telehealth environment.
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Should you use Medbridge?
I actually wrote my personal review about Medbridge here, but MedBridge has established itself as a leader in online healthcare education, offering a vast array of courses designed to meet the evolving needs of occupational therapists. The advantages include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: MedBridge’s telehealth courses cover the entire spectrum of telehealth in occupational therapy. If there’s a course your interested in, they most likely have it.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from industry experts and practitioners who have successfully integrated telehealth into their occupational therapy practice.
- Interactive Learning: You’ll have access to hundreds of video lectures, quizzes, case studies, and practical demonstrations to ensure an immersive learning experience.
- On-Demand Access: Access courses at your convenience, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit materials as needed.
- Certification and CEUs: Most of MedBridge’s courses offer continuing education units (CEUs), helping you maintain your professional credentials.
Medbrige Promo Code
If you would like to signup for Medbridge, be sure to use my promo code (OTFOCUS) to get up to $150 off. You’ll get access to unlimited courses, live webinars, and HEP programs for your patients.
Why you should consider working in Telehealth
Here are a few reasons why you should consider working as a Telehealth OT
Expanding Your Reach
Telehealth transcends geographical boundaries. By working in telehealth, you can provide your expert occupational therapy services to patients not only in your immediate area but across the country.
This opens up a world of opportunities to reach underserved populations, those in remote locations, and patients who may have difficulty accessing in-person care due to physical limitations or transportation challenges.
Enhancing Convenience for Patients
Telehealth eliminates the need for patients to travel to a clinic or therapy center. This can significantly improve the overall experience for patients, especially those with mobility issues, parents with young children, or individuals with busy schedules. By offering the convenience of remote therapy sessions, you make it easier for patients to prioritize their health and well-being.
Fostering Continuity of Care
In traditional in-person therapy settings, maintaining consistent communication with patients can be a challenge. Telehealth solves this problem by enabling therapists to stay in regular contact with their patients. This ongoing connection allows for more effective treatment planning, progress monitoring, and adjustments as needed, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
Adaptability to technology
Telehealth requires a level of tech-savviness, and by working in this field, you can stay at the forefront of healthcare technology. You’ll learn to use specialized software, communication platforms, and digital tools, which can not only enhance your practice but also add valuable skills to your professional portfolio.
Reducing Overhead Costs
Setting up and maintaining a traditional brick-and-mortar therapy practice can be expensive. In contrast, telehealth reduces many overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and equipment maintenance. This can allow you to allocate more resources to improving your services or expanding your reach.
Career Growth and Versatility
Working in telehealth can open doors to various career opportunities. You can explore roles in telehealth management, education, consulting, or even start your telehealth-focused practice. The skills you develop in telehealth are transferable and can contribute to a diverse and fulfilling career.
In conclusion, considering a career in telehealth as an occupational therapist offers numerous advantages. It allows you to expand your reach, enhance patient convenience, adapt to changing healthcare dynamics, embrace technology, and contribute to healthcare equity. Telehealth is not just the future; it’s the present, and it’s shaping the way occupational therapists provide care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients.
I hope this was helpful. If you’re interested in more content like this, be sure to subscribe below and check out my YouTube channel.
David is the lead editor of OT Focus. He has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist since 2013. He specializes in acute care, hand therapy, and ergonomics.
