The world is becoming more and more technology based – it has completely changed modern life in terms of how we access information, purchase products and stay in touch with family and friends. 

What is Telehealth?

As technology has infiltrated our everyday lives, health care workers and allied health practitioners are also using this technology to consult with parents, children and adolescents. Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage your health care. Telehealth allows therapy to remain consistent and a family to be supported even when a child or their family cannot attend the clinic for whatever reason e.g. they are unwell, distance, parent not being able to take time off work etc. 

Telehealth enables speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychology to be provided for children and their parents in their own environment. Telehealth is an evidence based approach to support interventions delivered in the person’s everyday environment or specific context (e.g. home, school) and at times, can be more effective than clinic based sessions. A range of studies have also reported positive effects in children being able to practice the skills they have learned in Telehealth therapy, especially in early intervention. 

How does it work?

At Kids At Max, Telehealth services are delivered by phone or video conferencing with a child and their parent. Telehealth sessions are planned in advance by the practitioner with the needs of the client in mind and their individual goals. If information needs to be provided to parents or their child, this is emailed to them in session (or in advance if required) so that parents can have written information regarding their child’s condition or interventions that will help them to support their child at home. 

The philosophy of Kids At Max is family centred and with this, we believe that a parent is the child’s best teacher. During Telehealth sessions, a parent is educated and trained on how to progress their child’s goals at home (whatever that may be – e.g. being able to calm down, reduce stuttering, self care skills etc) and children are provided with therapy to develop skills that can be practiced at home with the support of a parent and at school with the support of a teacher. 

What will I need?

• Internet connection.
• A device such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
• Web-camera, speakers and microphone (may be built into laptops or mobile devices).

Telehealth is used widely across Australia across a variety of health care disciplines. At Kids At Max, Telehealth is available for psychology, speech pathology and occupational therapy. If this is an option that you would like to explore, please contact Kids At Max on 03 9702 4447.