Based on: “Telehealth versus in-person delivery of an occupational therapy home visiting service: A cost analysis” (Aust Occup Ther J. 2025)
The landscape of occupational therapy (OT) home visits is rapidly evolving, with telehealth emerging as a promising alternative to traditional in-person care. A recent cost analysis published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal provides valuable insights into the financial and clinical implications of delivering OT home visiting services via telehealth compared to face-to-face visits. This research is especially relevant for OTs seeking efficient, client-centered solutions in a post-pandemic world.
Study Highlights
Comparing Service Models
- Setting: Adult patients recently discharged from two hospitals, receiving OT home visits for environmental assessment, equipment provision, and home modifications.
- Participants: 537 patients (271 via telehealth—including 56 hybrid cases; 266 in-person).
- Timeframe: 2020–2022.
Key Findings
- Cost Savings: Telehealth delivery resulted in a 34% reduction in overall costs compared to in-person care—saving the health system approximately $4 million, or $1,186 per telehealth encounter.
- Reduced Hospital Use: Patients in the telehealth group had fewer emergency and inpatient encounters, particularly for falls and delirium, leading to significant cost savings for these events.
- Travel Expenses: Telehealth eliminated most patient-related travel costs.
- Hybrid Approach: Some patients required a combination of telehealth and in-person visits, especially when complex equipment assessment or carer education was needed.
- Pressure Injuries: Costs related to pressure injuries were higher in the telehealth group, indicating that remote care may not be suitable for all conditions.
Practical Action Points for Occupational Therapists
1. Embrace Telehealth—But Target Wisely
- Select appropriate clients: Telehealth is highly effective for many, but not all, home visiting needs. Screen for clients who can safely and effectively engage remotely.
- Hybrid models: Be prepared to offer in-person visits when complex equipment assessment, hands-on training, or higher-risk conditions (e.g., pressure injury risk) are involved.
2. Focus on Cost-Effective Practices
- Leverage telehealth for follow-ups: Use remote visits for routine check-ins, education, and monitoring, reserving in-person care for complex or high-risk scenarios.
- Advocate for system-level change: Share cost-saving data with administrators to support telehealth program expansion.
3. Monitor Outcomes and Risks
- Track adverse events: Regularly assess for falls, delirium, and pressure injuries, especially in remote care models.
- Adjust protocols: If certain risks (like pressure injuries) increase, adapt your protocols to ensure client safety.
4. Educate Clients and Caregivers
- Provide clear instructions: Ensure clients and caregivers are comfortable with technology and understand their care plans.
- Support transitions: Offer extra support when transitioning between telehealth and in-person visits.
Why This Matters
This research demonstrates that telehealth can deliver substantial cost savings and maintain quality care for many OT home visiting clients. However, it also highlights the importance of individualized care planning and the need for hybrid models to address complex needs. OTs are uniquely positioned to lead the integration of telehealth, ensuring that clients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Final Thoughts
Telehealth is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it is a powerful tool in the OT toolkit. By adopting evidence-based, client-centered telehealth practices—and remaining vigilant about risks—OTs can drive both clinical excellence and health system sustainability.
For more details, see the full article: “Telehealth versus in-person delivery of an occupational therapy home visiting service: A cost analysis” (PMID: 40626518).
The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC 
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