Telehealth competencies for allied health professionals: A scoping review

Authors

Krithika Anil, School of Health Professions
Adam R. Bird, La Trobe University
Kate Bridgman, La Trobe University
Shane Erickson, La Trobe University
Jennifer Freeman, School of Health Professions
Carol McKinstry, La Trobe University
Christie Robinson, UoP RI - Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research
Sally Abey, School of Health Professions

ORCID

• Krithika Anil: 0000-0002-8027-1665
• Jennifer Freeman: 0000-0002-4072-9758
• Sally Abey: 0000-0002-9330-6564

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Telehealth has become one of the main methods of delivering allied health professional services worldwide, yet many professionals do not have sufficient training to deliver high-quality telehealth services. This review aims to identify what competencies allied health professionals require for effective telehealth service delivery. Methods: This scoping review used the Population Concept Context framework and searched the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, PEDro, United Kingdom Health Forum, WHO, Health Education England, and all UK and Australian AHP professional bodies. Results: A total of 37 articles were included out of 92,525 identified by the literature search. Competencies were related to two areas: (1) delivery of the telehealth consultation and (2) service management of telehealth consultations. The first area included the following competency themes: clinical reasoning, communication, effectively using technology, personcentred care, practice-based assessment and intervention knowledge/behaviour/skills, privacy, security, and patient safety, professionalism, and setting up the technical environment. The second area included the following competency themes: digital infrastructure, informing practice, and management. Although findings emphasised the importance of telehealth competencies, none have been implemented within education. One-third of the articles were from the discipline of psychology. Conclusion: This is the first scoping review to combine telehealth competencies reported across allied health disciplines. Although there were a vast range of competencies, they need implementation into teaching and learning to be practically useful. Most competencies were from psychology, but potentially applicable for other allied health professionals. A shared and adaptable standard for telehealth competencies would be useful to ensure high-quality practice across all allied health professionals.

DOI

10.1177/1357633x231201877

Publication Date

2023-10-03

Publication Title

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare

ISSN

1357-633X

Embargo Period

2023-10-06

Recommended Citation

Anil, K., Bird, A., Bridgman, K., Erickson, S., Freeman, J., McKinstry, C., Robinson, C., & Abey, S. (2023) 'Telehealth competencies for allied health professionals: A scoping review', Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, . Available at: 10.1177/1357633x231201877