Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Department
Public Health
Director of Thesis
Nabil Natafgi
Second Reader
Amy Ray
Abstract
Telehealth has become an increasing part of healthcare service delivery, expanding client access to services across disciplines, including occupational therapy. Existing research suggests that telehealth occupational therapy can produce similar outcomes to in-person care in certain populations; however, variability in patient characteristics, technological readiness, intervention demands, and environmental contexts influences its suitability, and limited research examines how practitioners determine the appropriate service delivery model. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the factors that influence occupational therapy practitioners within a Veterans Affairs healthcare setting in South Carolina when determining the appropriateness of telehealth, in-person, or hybrid service delivery models.
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was employed with six occupational therapy practitioners. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach to identify patterns across participant responses.
Findings indicate that telehealth is most effective for consult-based services, environmental assessments, and patient education, but less effective for interventions that require hands-on assessment and treatment. Technology-related barriers, caregiver availability, and institutional support were identified as key factors influencing telehealth use. Participants emphasized that clinical judgment plays a central role in determining appropriateness and that hybrid models are the most workable approach to balancing accessibility and clinical effectiveness. These findings suggest that telehealth should be used selectively within occupational therapy practice based on patient needs, intervention requirements, and contextual factors. The results provide guidelines to support clinical decision-making, highlighting the importance of continued development in training, technology, and system-level support to optimize telehealth implementation.
First Page
1
Last Page
45
Recommended Citation
Smith, Christina R., "Identifying Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Decision-Making Regarding Telehealth, In-Person, and Hybrid Care Within a Veterans Affairs Healthcare Setting in South Carolina" (2026). Senior Theses. 855.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/senior_theses/855
Rights
© 2026, Christina R. Smith