A Physical Therapist’s Role in Clinical Video Telehealth
In fiscal year 2013, the PT successfully conducted over 120 CVT encounters in the diabetes and MOVE! CVT clinics and 9 CVT encounters in the spine clinic.
Conclusion
Multiple benefits have been observed from providing CVT clinics. Increasing the accessibility to these clinics makes it easier for veterans to keep their appointments. Also, CVT allows HCPs to reach patients who otherwise would likely not seek care because of the lack of access to specialists at the closest facility. This service can help patients who cannot physically travel great distances because of their conditions and who otherwise may not have been seen.1
Nonetheless, telehealth does have some drawbacks. There is the chance that the audio/video connection may be interrupted by severe weather.6 Equipment breakdown, other connectivity issues, and the HCP’s inability to touch and feel the patient during the evaluation are also limitations.
Ultimately, this personalized service can be recognized as convenient, cutting-edge, and most important, can improve the quality and timeliness of care to patients.
Author disclosures
The authors report no actual or potential conflicts of interest with regard to this article.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal Practitioner, Frontline Medical Communications Inc., the U.S. Government, or any of its agencies. This article may discuss unlabeled or investigational use of certain drugs. Please review complete prescribing information for specific drugs or drug combinations—including indications, contraindications, warnings, and adverse effects—before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.
