Delivering allied health services to regional and remote participants on the autism spectrum via video-conferencing technology: lessons learned.

Delivering allied health services to regional and remote participants on the autism spectrum via video-conferencing technology: lessons learned. Rural Remote Health. 2019 Sep;19(3):5358 Authors: Johnsson G, Kerslake R, Crook S Abstract Context and issues: The introduction of individualised funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Australia aimed to increase individual choice and control over how people received disability supports. An increase in the allied health disability workforce was anticipated; however, disability workforce sector reports have consistently indicated difficulties in attracting and retaining sufficient allied health staff to satisfy current and future demand. Autism spectrum disorder is the most prevalent primary diagnosis of participants receiving individualised funding to date and requires support staff to have specialised skills and experience. Given that overall staff attraction and retention issues are reported to be exacerbated in regional and remote areas of Australia, it is important to seek innovative ways of supporting individuals on the autism spectrum in their local communities. Technology has the potential to provide a timely and low-cost alternative that extends access to specialist services for people in remote locations. The current project aimed to identify the feasibility, essential requirements and potential barriers in delivering therapy support to regional and remote partici...
Source: Rural and Remote Health - Category: Rural Health Tags: Rural Remote Health Source Type: research