Absolutely – there is evidence that Telehealth can be just as effective as a face to face consultation.

Please kindly complete the background form relating to the appointment type you would like. These can be found for each individual service on our telehealth information page.

Completing this form will allow our therapists to determine whether a Telehealth appointment is suitable for you, and what type of appointment or package would be best and/or allocate classes dependent on time zone/location.

You will require an internet connection, and a device with a camera, such as phone/tablet or computer/laptop.

For the video consultation, we use either Zoom or Physiapp, depending on whether you are a new patient to Western Kids Health, and which type of therapist you are booking an appointment with.

Both Zoom and Physiapp are free to download on apple and android. Alternatively they can both be accessed through a web browser.

Our friendly reception staff will email you detailed instructions explaining which app to use. They will also send simple step by step instructions how to download and set up the program, as well as step by step instructions how to access and login to your Telehealth consult at the scheduled time of your appointment.

• Try to find a quiet environment if possible (eg quiet room, or reduce background noise) with good lighting
• Set your camera somewhere sturdy, and check the angle so that the therapist can clearly see yourself and your child, and the affected body area if relevant.
• Be nearby your email address so we can email you the video link at your appointment time.
• You may use Bluetooth or cordless headphones if you have some.

For all telehealth initial assessments an adult must be present. For therapy appointments and groups, you may be required to supervise your child and provide support with setting up and engaging in the task or activity. For older children and teens, having a parent present is not essential. Our therapists like to speak to you towards the end of the telehealth appointment to provide a session overview, verbal feedback and recommendations.

Following the session, one of our reception staff will contact you to arrange payment over the phone. If you are purchasing a class pack or a package of appointments, you will need to pay in advance.

Following the session, one of our reception staff will contact you to arrange payment over the phone. If you are purchasing a class pack or a package of appointments, you will need to pay in advance.

Prior to your appointment our receptionists will email you a Telehealth Consent Form, new Patient Information Form, as well as the instructions to connect to Telehealth, either through Zoom or Physitrack. Once logged in and connected, you will be able to see and hear your physiotherapist through video.

The first part of the video consultation will consist of the patient interview (or subjective examination), where your physiotherapist will ask you (and/or your child) a series of structured questions. This is no different to if you were attending for a face to face appointment, and is a vital part of the consult where the physiotherapist takes a comprehensive history regarding you (or your child’s) problem, including your goals and other relevant factors that may be contributing to the diagnosis and management. Following this interview the physiotherapist will have an idea of the likely diagnosis.

Next your physiotherapist will want to observe your movement through a physical assessment. Depending on the age of the client, or the injury/concern, this can be done in a number of ways. For babies we observe handling/positioning, as well as their playing positions such as tummy time, playing on their back, rolling and sitting. For toddlers, we observe movement through play, so having a few little games/activities set up can help with the session. Where as for children and teens, the  physical assessment is generally a bit more structured. We will observe functional or sport specific activities (such as walking, squatting, running), as well as observe posture. Lastly, we will observe movement of the whole body, and specific joints/regions, by demonstrating, and ask you to perform the same. During this we will ask if any pain or symptoms are reproduced to give us further clinical information. These tests will still provide us with the information we need to come to a diagnosis, despite them being performed over video consult.

Following the patient interview and physical assessment, your physiotherapist will explain your diagnosis, contributing factors, and discuss and develop with you an individualised management plan, which will consist of an exercise program, recommendations, education and advice.

The majority of what we would normally see in the clinic face to face, is suitable for to assess using Telehealth. There is evidence that Telehealth consultations can be just as effective as a face to face consultation, and are diagnostically accurate too.

One of the most important aspects of the patient interview is a series of specific screening or “special” questions your physiotherapist will ask. These are used to rule out red flags, or serious or sinister pathology. Your physiotherapist will advise you if physiotherapy is not suitable, and can make the appropriate referral to your GP or specialist if required.

If you are unable to attend face to face, your physiotherapist will be able to provide you with creative and fun ways you can perform self-treatment, or alternative options to “relax” muscles, such as stretching or a specific exercise, which can provide a similar result to massage or manual therapy.

We will create an individualised exercise program through Physitrack, directly relating to your goals, for you to complete through the app PhysiApp. The app is free and allows you to set reminders to complete your exercises each day.

Babies/Toddlers:

• Your physiotherapist can complete the patient interview over the phone first (eg when they are sleeping) and then organise a time when they are awake to observe play. Please discuss preferred times when booking the appointment.
• As your physiotherapist will want to observe your baby/toddler in various playing positions, and how you pick up and hold your baby, we recommend setting up with a few toys on a mat. If possible, try to set your device/camera up so that it is stable, and so that you can have your hands during the video session.
• Your physiotherapist may also want to observe your baby playing in only a nappy, so ensure the environment is warm enough if needing to get undressed.
• For toddlers, it may be easier to hold the camera and follow them at times during the video consultation, if it is tricky to get them to stay playing in one spot.
• It can help having some distractions/favourite quiet toy/food at hand incase you need it throughout the session

Kindy Age:

• Try to set up a small obstacle course (see photos), as well as a quiet space on the floor with a yoga mat or rug where your child can sit/lay down as your physiotherapist may ask them to do some movements lying.
• It can help having some quiet distractions (such as a squishy toy, or some food) at hand in case you need it throughout the session

Children/Teens

• We ask that you wear appropriate clothing so we can see your affected body area (eg shorts and singlet)
• Since your physiotherapist will want to observe you moving in a variety of positions, be ready with some clear space on the ground (eg a yoga mat) in case your physiotherapist needs you to do any physical movements laying down, or if you need to walk/jog/squat.

Prior to your appointment our receptionists will email you a Telehealth Consent Form, new Patient Information Form, as well as the instructions to connect to Telehealth, either through Zoom or Physitrack. Once logged in and connected, you will be able to see and hear your occupational therapist through video.

The first part of the video consult will consist of the patient interview (or subjective examination), where your OT will ask you (and/or your child) a series of structured questions. This is no different to if you were attending for a face to face appointment, and is a vital part of the consult where the OT takes a comprehensive history regarding you (or your child’s) problem, including your goals and other relevant factors that may be contributing to the management. Following this interview the OT will have an idea of the likely concerns and best plan moving forwards.

Depending on the reason for your referral, the OT may want to observe your movement through a physical assessment. Depending on the age of the client, or the injury/concern, this can be done in a number of ways. For babies we observe handling/positioning, as well as their playing positions such as tummy time, playing on their back, rolling and sitting. For toddlers, we observe movement through play, so having a few little games/activities set up can help with the session. Where as for children and teens, the  physical assessment is generally a bit more structured. We will observe functional or task specific activities (such as drawing, colouring, writing, cutting, cutlery, dressing etc), as well as observe gross motor skills and posture. Lastly, we will observe movement of the whole body, and specific joints/regions, by demonstrating, and ask you to perform the same. During this we will ask if any pain or symptoms are reproduced to give us further clinical information. These tests will still provide us with the information we need to come up with a treatment plan, despite them being performed over video consult.

Following the patient interview and physical observations, your OT will explain their findings, contributing factors, and discuss and develop with you an individualised plan, which will consist of a home program, recommendations, education and advice.

The majority of what we would normally see in the clinic face to face, is suitable for us to assess using Telehealth.

Prior to your telehealth appointment you will be sent an caregiver background questionnaire form, which allows the OT to understand your child and the concerns prior to the assessment. If upon reviewing the background information the therapist feels telehealth is not suitable we will let you know and make appropriate recommendations.

During the assessment the OT will ask the parent a series of specific screening or “special” questions. These are used to rule out red flags, or serious or sinister pathology. Your OT will advise you if occupational therapy is not suitable, and can make the appropriate referral to your GP or specialist if required. Observations of your child will also be made to determine whether they are able to engage with the therapist through the video. Parent only appointments can be helpful to receive specialist information and recommendations for your child, should they have difficulty being present for the telehealth appointment.

You won’t need to go out and buy anything specific for the therapy sessions. The occupational therapist will be able to use items you have at home, such as paper, pencils, toys, balls, pegs, containers etc. In some cases the OT may email you through some worksheets or handouts to print and use during the appointment. OT’s are very flexible and creative, making each appointment fun using what you already have! If you are interested in purchasing resources for home, our therapists would be more than happy to provide you with some ideas and recommendations.

Don’t stress! Your therapist can work with what you have. The great thing about using Zoom is that it has a ‘share screen’ feature. This means the therapist can share their screen with you via email, to discuss handouts, home programs, watch videos etc.

• Try to find somewhere you are comfortable and relaxed.
• A desk or dining table with an appropriately sized chair for your child will be required for fine motor, handwriting, self care activities etc.
• Movement or wriggle breaks may be used if your child finds it difficult sitting still for extended lengths of time. You could have a ball, hula hoop or skipping rope handy to use for mini breaks.
• If your child uses a sensory wobble cushion at school, this could be used during the telehealth appointment to help with their regulation. If you don’t own one, try using a pillow or hot water bottle blown up with air, not water!
• Have a few fidget toys on standby if needed.
• Easy to eat snacks can be a good idea for younger children.
• If your child works well using a visual schedule, the therapist can discuss the types of activities planned for you to set up on the schedule.
• Limit distractions such as siblings or pets! Though we do love to meet your pets, it is best to show us at the end.
• Consider the time of day you schedule the telehealth appointment, for when your child is functioning at their best!

Prior to your appointment our receptionists will email you a Telehealth Consent Form, new Patient Information Form, as well as the instructions to connect to Telehealth, either through Zoom or Physitrack. Once logged in and connected, you will be able to see and hear your Psychologist through video.

At the beginning of your first session your Psychologist will briefly run through important ethical and practical issues with you. This includes confidentiality, information about sessions and, if you have been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, we will discuss the details of your Mental Health Treatment Plan at this point.

The remainder of the session is usually spent discussing what brought you(r) child) into therapy and on discussing your (childs) relevant background history (for example: information about family, social relationships, school, strengths, weaknesses, sleep and leisure time). By the end of the session your personal goals will be established and a plan to move forward will be discussed.

The majority of clients who we normally see face to face in the clinic, could benefit from Telehealth appointments.

This includes clients with:

• Behavioural concerns (challenging behaviours, sleeping issues)
• Anxiety and fears (phobias, separation issues, excessive worrying)
• Depression or low mood
• Adjustment issues
• Reactions to trauma
• Grief and loss
• Issues relating to a child’s medical condition or chronic illness (pain, fatigue, excessive stress)
• Interpersonal relationships and social skills
• Child-parent concerns

You will need a phone or laptop with a reliable internet connection and in some cases the Psychologist may email you through some worksheets or handouts to print and use during the appointment.

That’s absolutely no problem. Your Psychologist can work with what you have. The great thing about using Zoom is that it has a ‘share screen’ feature. This means the Psychologist can share their screen with you via email, to discuss handouts, home programs, watch videos etc.

All information that you disclose in your session with a Psychologist is confidential. There are two exceptions to this rule. The first exception is if a client is at risk of harming herself/himself or harming someone else, and the second exception is in relation to court orders. If either of these situations become relevant your Psychologist will discuss this with you.

Dietitian consults are well suited to telehealth. Research shows positive outcomes with telehealth/video consults. It is already used successfully for patients seeking dietetic input who have limited access to our services, such as those living in rural/remote areas, parents and caregivers who work long hours, children that are immunocompromised and families with young children who find it difficult to leave the house.

Using telehealth also provides you with more flexibility, avoiding parking and allowing you to see a dietitian from the comfort of your own home. Telehealth can also allow more insight into your child’s nutrition and feeding issues. The dietitian can observe your child at a mealtime, providing recommendations and guidance in real time.

We use Zoom for our dietetic consulta, Zoom is an encrypted video consulting program which ensures all your information is kept safe.

What you can expect from the telehealth consult is exactly the same as what you would receive in a normal consult. Our experienced Accredited Practising Dietitians have the qualifications and skills to provide you with expert nutrition and dietary advice. Your child’s individual nutritional needs will be assessed and we will guide you to manage your child’s nutrition/feeding issues using food as Medical Nutrition Therapy. The only difference is that we are unable to weigh and measure the length/height of your child, this is not essential to the consultation however if you have equipment available at home we are more than able to talk you through how to do this.

We will email you any resources that are necessary, as well as a summary of the appointment after your consult. If observation of feeding is required, we will email you prior to the telehealth consult to talk you through this.

No. While it is sometimes helpful for the Dietitian to observe your child at feeding time and/or speak directly with your child, this is not essential. Depending on your child’s age and nutrition issues it may not even be necessary. Your Dietitian will contact you prior to the telehealth consult to discuss this with you.