Hybrid Tele-Health Approaches to Allied Health Services: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background and aim: During the past 2 years (during COVID-19), tele-health services by allied health professions (health professions other than doctors and nurses) have become widespread; uptake was almost immediate due to restrictions of social distancing and limitations on in-person services. In the aftermath of the pandemic, as limitations were receded, tele-health services substantially subsided, despite their many advantages. Hybrid tele-health is a service modality that combines in-person and remote services, thus reaping the demonstrated benefits of both. Still, research that defines the terminology of the service, existing models, outcomes, “best practices” and evaluation of service effectiveness is sparse. The aim of this review is to formulate a multidimensional, conceptual framework of hybrid tele-health services for adults and children requiring allied health interventions. The guiding research question is: What are the existing definitions, models, and outcome measures of hybrid allied health interventions for people across the lifespan? Methods: A scoping review will systematically map evidence and identify existing models for hybrid administration of allied health services. According to the framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005), two independent researchers will systematically and iteratively search databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, PsycInfo, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference proceedings that examined or described hybrid interventions. Based on the results, we will develop a multidimensional conceptual framework of hybrid tele-health services for adults and children requiring allied health interventions Expected results: This scoping review will provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing models, uses, definitions, and outcomes for hybrid telehealth services. The resulting framework will recommend uniform terminology and assist in identifying gaps in the literature regarding potential uses of and need for research of hybrid models. Importance to Medicine: Understanding hybrid telehealth services is expected to guide the development of future services in Israel and beyond, capitalizing on knowledge established during COVID-19, and will inform ongoing research and policies, thus improving accessibility to professional allied health care