New policy framework for telehealth unveiled by Staffordshire University researchers
Staffordshire University has today launched a new policy brief to guide the creation of national telehealth patient consultation guidelines and training.
Staffordshire University has today launched a new policy brief to guide the creation of national telehealth patient consultation guidelines and training.
The framework, developed in partnership with Allied Health Professions (AHPs), is being presented to professional body representatives, managers and policy makers in the UK and overseas.
It follows on from research conducted by a team at Staffordshire University which found that many Allied Health Professionals are not adequately supported in the delivery of remote patient consultations.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw an unprecedented expansion of telehealth with a shift to remote patient consultations across the professions which includes prosthetics and orthotists, physiotherapy, podiatry, orthoptists, occupational therapists, dieticians and osteopathy. The 14 AHPs make up the third largest healthcare workforce in the UK’s National Health Service and play a vital role in the health and care of patients.
However, a study led by Staffordshire University and part funded by Public Health England via the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics, demonstrated that current telehealth guidelines and training programmes for AHPs were not sufficiently comprehensive and lack information on key telehealth aspects.
Lead researcher Dr Aoife Healy, said: “Based on our research, we recommend that telehealth guidelines and training should include information on patient privacy, data security, and the use of technology which is consistent across the professions.”
Dr Nicky Eddison, a practising orthotist and a key member of the team added: “Telehealth training should be mandatory for all AHPs, alongside access to ongoing professional development opportunities.”
The new framework highlights the importance of investing in telehealth infrastructure and training to ensure that AHPs can continue to provide high-quality care to patients, even in the face of a pandemic.
Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Director of the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies at Staffordshire University, said “This work is a shining example of research that has successfully translated into real-world policy. The Allied Health Professions Federation and 13 UK AHP professional bodies have endorsed our work and they have been involved as stakeholders. We believe many of them will now adopt this framework which they can adapt for their use.”
“It's essential that all our healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care to patients remotely.”
Maria Scrivens
Communications Manager
t: 01782 294375
m: 07766 520339
e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk
Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.
Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.
Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London