During the Covid19 pandemic we trialled using Telehealth to deliver some of our patient biomechanics appointments when we were unable to see people in clinic. Since the pandemic, the face of healthcare has changed and Telehealth has become common place for GP and hospital services. It has now also become an integral service for our biomechanics patients.
1. What is Telehealth?
Despite what the name suggests, Telehealth is not an appointment by phone call. Telehealth is also sometimes called telemedicine, uses digital communication technologies to deliver healthcare services remotely, allowing patients to access care without needing to visit a clinical setting or hospital. It is particularly useful for patient’s with mobility issues.
2. How does a Telehealth appointment work?
When you call the clinic, you will be provided with a link to our booking site via Cliniko. Cliniko is our diary and patient management system. You will be able to see the clinician’s diary and book a day and time for your appointment. Once you have booked, you will receive a medical form to complete prior to your appointment which will ask some questions about your health and well-being, lifestyle and mobility. There will also be a section about consent to treatment.
The appointment itself works exactly like an in-clinic appointment, expcept we are online and not in-person. On the morning of your appointment you will be emailed a link to your appointment. When your appointment time arrives, you will press the link in your email and it will take you to a screen where you will see your clinician. You can do this on a phone, tablet or laptop, as long as you are able to move the device around. You do not have to download anything prior to your appointment such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Cliniko has its own secure online platform where your podiatrist will meet with you on screen.
The podiatrist will then ask you all about the issues you are having with your body. They will ask about your health, hobbies, work, and general mobility. They will ask to see your standing and walking. They may also ask you to perform certain tasks so they can see how you move. The podiatrist will also ask to see your footwear and any insoles/orthoses/aids you might already use.
The podiatrist will then devise a treatment plan which they will discuss with you. It could be a series of exercises, a change in footwear, booking you in for an in-person consultation in clinic, a referral for an x-ray or scan or an onward referral to another clinician.
3. What do I need to do a Telehealth appointment?
To conduct a Telehealth appointment you need a working phone, laptop or tablet. It is useful to have this charged or have your charger nearby just in case. Working wi-fi is also essential to be able to establish a connection.
We ask if you can wear shorts or loose trousers, so we can see your feet and lower limbs throughout the consultation. It is also useful to your footwear you regularly wear near by. We normally recommend shoes that you would wear for sport, work, or weekends, as this is what you will wear most of the time. If you wear or use any supports/orthoses/aids, please have them nearby for us to assess or discuss.
It is useful to have a space where you can take five paces in any direction. Sometimes we may ask you to do tasks where you might have to balance, if you are able. It is always useful to have something to hold on to if this is required, so a sturdy chair or piece of furniture that can be used to hold on to.
4. How do I pay for my appointment?
Payment for Telehealth services can also be made remotely. You will be emailed an invoice after the appointment. Payment can be made by PayPal, bank transfer and by telephone to the clinic.
5. What if I don’t want to do a Telehealth appointment?
In person appointments are also available but there may be a longer wait for this service. A Telehealth appointment is often quicker to book than an in-person appointment. Doing a Telehealth appointment first, can also help us triage your needs. If we need to have anything available for you to attend clinic or make any adjustments prior to your visit.
If you have any questions about our Telehealth service, please do not hesitate to contact the clinical lead [email protected].
