Telehealth / Online Services Consent

The term “Telehealth” describes the process of accessing health-related services and information through electronic technology. It allows for real-time interactions between clients and service providers without the need for in-person visits or sessions. Because Telehealth facilitates care related interactions, advice, education, intervention, monitoring and planning over distances, it has the potential to provide unparalleled freedom to the people we serve, while also making the delivery of our services significantly more efficient. 

Duty of care

The duty of care for Online Services follows the same principles as in-person care. 

For example, 

If face-to-face appointments require the use of interpreters, the presence of family members or a care provider, or other aides, those same supports should be arranged for Online Services

If there is any doubt about roles and responsibilities, Pivot Point will consult with you and reach an agreement before any treatment, intervention or educational session is started

Pivot Point staff must report to authorities if an individual divulges any form or risk of abuse or neglect as outlined in the Child Protection Act or the Adult Guardianship Act

Staff involved in Online Services ensure that the client-provider relationship via technology maintains the integrity and value of the therapeutic and workplace relationships

Professional staff uphold the standards of their governing bodies

Data collection and quality care measures remain in place

What does Online Service look like?

At Pivot Point, the term “Online” means anything other than “in-person”. As such, Online Services require a phone, or an email account, or a laptop or tablet, or an inexpensive internet camera with a desktop computer. As you can see, most Online Services use an internet connection, and a small amount of support to set up different ways to connect. Most people with internet connected computers are ready to begin Online Services within 5 or 10 minutes. We’re happy to help with this. 

Intake: using technology we can get to know each other, learn more about what the individual and family needs are, and start to map out what various services could look like. 

Assessment: our Lead professionals can use a combination online tools, interviews with caregivers and observation of the individual using a web camera to gather the information they need to make their therapeutic recommendations and treatment plans. 

Program Planning: our Lead Professionals present their recommendations and treatment plans to caregivers and the team, explore feedback and adjust programming through online connections. Most treatment or training plans include a time schedule, as well as a sequence of programs or lesson plans for each session, as well as rest periods and reinforcement time.

Training Sessions: once therapeutic recommendations or “programs” are understood and agreed upon, our Professionals and service providers can provide formal and informal training sessions online. There are many different formats that treatment/training sessions can follow. Some are one-on-one, some include multiple family members, some are group based sessions with peers, some include multiple staff in a video conference… some use shared YouTube videos, some include coaching and modelling, and some present on-screen content such as questions, games, or reinforcing positive experiences. 

While most sessions range from 1 to 3 hours long, some sessions may be more spontaneous – such as a phone call from a client in crisis, or from a caregiver seeking guidance or calling to reschedule upcoming sessions. 

Progress Review Meeting: these team meetings take place every 3 to 6 months depending on the nature and intensity of the service. Lead Professionals can facilitate an online video conference to review data/evidence of change, discuss the successes and challenges that have occurred, and explore recommendations for future programming.