Although face-to-face services have been the norm, the introduction of telehealth means more efficient services and participants are at the centre of their healthcare decisions.

There is a misconception that telehealth is not the same standard of service, and participants choose face-to-face services. Both services offer people with disability excellent Allied Health support, but for some people, their current requirements may be more suited to telehealth.

Telehealth and face to face services both can deliver positive outcomes, and in some situations, telehealth may be better suited to a client. A recent survey from The University of Melbourne (in collaboration with the National Disability Insurance Agency) found that 63% of 2391 participants have been able to successfully receive support and move their NDIS-funded allied healthcare services to telehealth. Moreover, 11-13% believed remotely delivered consultations were better than being in-person, and 31-33% indicated they were likely to choose to use such services after the pandemic.

This begs the question – when is telehealth the better choice for accessing NDIS therapy services?

 

“I need more flexibility in my services”

A great benefit to choosing telehealth is flexibility. The clinician and participant can set up a schedule that suits them both, which can be delivered to the participant in the comfort of their own home. In addition, since there are no travel requirements, attending appointments is easier and can meet the requirements of the participant.

 

“I have trouble accessing resources”

There are a variety of barriers for people with disability when it comes to accessing services. The great thing about telehealth is that services can be accessed over phone or computer, meaning that there is reduced travel, expense, and time away from home. Telehealth removes the need for carers to take time off work and studies or hiring a support person to make appointments.

Telehealth is a great way to access more resources and make the most out of therapy as clinicians are able to pre-record strategies to be tailored for each participant. This ensures participants are not missing out, that services can be accessed any time and that the participant can manage their own time.

 

“I am worried for my safety and health in the ongoing pandemic”

It is understandable that participants may be nervous about accessing services face-to-face as the pandemic continues.   This doesn’t make the most sense to me as it’s more about the benefits to gov/healthcare in general. Maybe that is enables physical distancing by reducing face-to-face contact and limiting movement of people?

 

“I want to make the most out of my NDIS funding”

Telehealth is the same hourly rate as the NDIS price guide, however, there is no travel involved. This means that there are no travel charges and therefore budgeted hours/funding can be utilised more for the services.

In addition, Clinicians only charge for time spent especially when sessions can be shortened. For example, when a session has gone for 30mins or 45mins, our LiveBig system automatically calculates the time spent only from the hourly rate.

 

We spoke to our Business Development Manager Maria about LiveBig’s telehealth services and how it suits client requirements. 

“Telehealth sessions have the potential to achieve best outcomes for the participant’s goals. It’s an interactive and easily manageable method of service delivery that LiveBig has had great success with.

Some participants work  better online than face to face especially when participants enjoy computers and technology. In this current climate of the pandemic with surging case numbers, accessing therapy services via Telehealth could provide safety and less exposure. 

Telehealth is a great way to access therapy services for people that are looking for a more flexible, accessible and safe way to have their services delivered.”

 

If you or a loved one with disability is looking to access telehealth for NDIS therapy services, please fill out an enquiry form.