Telehealth: A Virtual Model of Service Delivery

Background 

Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver health care services and education to clients at a distance. Telerehabilitation is one form of telehealth, whereby assessment, treatment and prevention services can be offered through video-conferencing. Occupational therapists are well suited to utilize this service delivery approach. Our profession has used telehealth successfully in many areas of practice, including but not limited to, paediatrics, geriatrics, home modifications and more.

While there are many platforms to choose from, occupational therapists need to be aware of privacy and security concerns when interacting with clients virtually. In Ontario, The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) is the provincial law that governs the collection, use, retention, disclosure and disposal of personal health information. Be sure to use a platform that is PHIPA-compliant.

Occupational therapists in Ontario also need to be sure that they are following the Guidelines for Telepractice set out by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). View the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)’s Position Statement on Tele-occupational therapy and e-occupational therapy. 

Ontario Telemedicine Network Membership Discount for OSOT Members

The Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) is one network that occupational therapists may choose to use for the delivery of their telehealth services. In joining the OTN, OSOT members will pay $60 per month ($720 per year) which represents a savings of approximately 17% over the regular fee of $875 per year. OSOT members also have the set-up fee waived which normally costs $175. HST is added to fees.

Apply for OTN membership and once you have completed the online application process, OTN will email a quote to you and ask you to approval it by return email. An invoice will then be sent. The discounted fee will be charged to you based on having indicated that you are an occupational therapist.