Table 1 Challenges and potential solutions in telehealth for musculoskeletal care that clinicians should be aware of
From: Can you be a manual therapist without using your hands?
Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
Reliability of technology | Technical issues will happen eventually. Plan for access to alternative, simpler technologies such as telephone or asynchronous materials in case of technical difficulties |
Data privacy and sharing | Comply with data protection rules in your jurisdiction. Consider using end-to-end encryption and authentication |
Clinician-patient relationship | Use telehealth in combination with physical consultations. Practice communication skills online with colleagues and friends. Avoid using technical language and information overload. Use a patient-centered approach and include patient preferences and circumstances in the structure of the sessions (e.g., work together with the patient to identify barriers and help them implement potential solutions) |
Irrelevant content | Rely on evidence-based information and make content interactive and engaging. Encourage patients actively participate during sessions. Consider engaging online features such as quizzes, videos, and smartphone apps and set goals |
Digital health literacy | Prepare a brief guide on how to use the technology in a booklet or video format and provide to patients a priori. Allow more time before the first sessions so the patient can get used to the technology. Offer help and assistance before and after the telehealth delivery |
Clinician resistance | Explain that telehealth can be a supplement to clinical care that improves patient engagement in their care and is convenient. Communicate evidence for benefits and effectiveness |
Payment | Work with healthcare administrators and third-party payers to develop sustainable business models for telehealth delivery |