On April 29, 2020, hand therapists from all over the country came together on a Zoom call to share moments of caring and creativity during COVID-19 pandemic. Despite feeling overworked, financially burdened, tired, stressed or even lost during a furlough, everyone had something positive to share. As hand therapists, we tend to be caregivers by nature and want to help others in any situation.
We reflected on what we are learning living through this crisis and how this will help us be better clinicians in the future. We discussed how our treatments look different – behind masks and Plexiglass or behind a computer screen – and how we are still making an impact on the quality of life of our patients.
We also shared tips and tricks we have gained navigating telehealth. Experience ranged from not yet performing telehealth to practitioners who solely practice through telehealth, and we learned from each other’s insight. Discussion included recommended platforms to use, how to structure visits, ways to efficiently measure ROM, how to improve lighting/visibility and how to better engage patients.
It was a great hour and fun to connect with everyone! Thank you to everyone who shared!
Take care and stay safe!
Hannah Gift, OTR/L, CHT, COMT UE, CEAS
Emily Skoza Brackenridge, MS, OTR/L, CHT
2019-2020 Board Members-at-Large