Telehealth Best Practices by Amber Olson

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:20:30 UTC

Explaining that the session was on a secure channel, privacy issues.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:20:52 UTC

Making sure that the client is in a confidential space.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:21:01 UTC

Ensuring a plan for if you lose connection.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:21:44 UTC

Inquire where the client is - are they at home? If not at home, find out the address in case there is an emergency and you need to call for help

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:22:56 UTC

When working with kids, having an image on the screen in helpful. Having a whiteboard or having a background of your office is nice. A PPT with various slides covering different aspects of the session.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:24:00 UTC

Being prepared to give the client feedback if telehealth is not working out - if a client is distracted, moving around and not staying at the computer, etc. Learning how to coach clients to use telehealth appropriately and also have a conversation to transition to in-person if not working out.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:24:45 UTC

Sending an information sheet with helpful information for clients - troubleshooting issues with video/audio, screenshots, links, etc.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:25:23 UTC

Have clients come in first and test their equipment to make sure they know how to use their equipment, Teams, etc to make sure they feel confident/competent to use telehealth.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:25:45 UTC

Setting expectations around the use of telehealth. For example, cannot be driving while they are in their session.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:26:15 UTC

Need to be ready to discontinue the session when client is not in a setting to do a session. This is related to setting expectations too.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:30:43 UTC

Expectations: Not driving, in stores, in the bathroom, out of state (laws and regulations with out of state), with clothes on, no substance use, lying down in bed unless there are serious medical issues, skateboarding, etc.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:31:12 UTC

Noting that you might be asking questions that you wouldn't ask in-person. Asking about non-verbals, what's happening for them, substance use happening, etc

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:32:27 UTC

Prioritizing the time - often something else going on at the time of the telehealth session. "I noticed that it seems that there is often something going on at the same time as our session. Is there a better time." And working to prioritize the session.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:33:15 UTC

Remembering that not everyone has done therapy before and don't know what to expect or what the expectations are - need to either explicitly explain or have them come in first.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:33:31 UTC

Asking about who else is in the room, reminding about being in a private space.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:34:38 UTC

HIPAA compliant platform!

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:38:28 UTC

Considering that there may need to be some therapy time for reflection on the session as people may be hopping from one thing to another vs. having drive time to reflect.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:38:40 UTC

Texting link to phone helps a lot with Teams issues.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:38:49 UTC

Be thoughtful about own distractability.

ambernolson — 2024-05-16 15:40:05 UTC

There may be some information that is necessary to give in-person (i.e. important diagnoses, boundary-setting).