A Measure for Supporting Implementation of Telehealth Direct Therapy With Treatment Integrity.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Telehealth
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Telehealth direct therapy surged during COVID-19 for safety.
• Existing research confirms telehealth efficacy but lacks integrity measures.
• Clinicians need guidance for implementing telehealth therapy effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the Telehealth Therapy Treatment Integrity Measure.
• Delineate components of effective telehealth direct therapy.
• Provide a framework for training and ensuring provider competence.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Telehealth Therapy Treatment Integrity Measure.
• Identification of generalized and unique elements for telehealth therapy.
• Description of the measure's application in training.

Main Results:

• The measure outlines essential components for telehealth therapy integrity.
• It bridges the gap between in-person and telehealth therapy practices.
• The measure supports both initial and ongoing professional development.

Conclusions:

• The Telehealth Therapy Treatment Integrity Measure is crucial for maintaining standards in remote therapy.
• It empowers clinicians to ensure competent and effective telehealth service delivery.
• This measure addresses a critical gap in the telehealth therapy literature.