Telehealth and Associated Consent

Please us this link at your scheduled time. 

https://focustime.coviu.com/room/@focustime

Telehealth Information

The following information is designed to inform you of the risks and possible ways to protect your information when engaging in Telehealth (video and audio based conferencing with associated information sharing functions), and to seek your informed consent to participate in Telehealth services.

Telehealth utilised by Focus Time Psychology provides appropriate focused psychological assessment, education, intervention and skills development utilising encrypted video conferencing links across the internet between you and your Psychologist. At times Telehealth may also include telephone (voice) only connections.

Telehealth services support psychological care when face to face consultation is not appropriate or may be difficult to complete due to geographical, health (e.g. COVID-19) or for those living in in rural or remote areas within Australia. Telehealth is only available when clinically appropriate.

Telehealth may only be available when approved by 3rd party provides such as Medicare, Department of Veteran Affairs, Victims Services, Marathon Health, EAP providers and other such services who have approved this mode of psychological care.

Telehealth requires specialist software that may enable the sending and receiving of video, voice, txt and the transmission of files (e.g. document, PDF’s). Additional costs are often associated with Telehealth and include the need for a camera, speaker, computer technology (PC / Mac, smartphone or tablet) and an adequate internet connection that is stable, and that has a data plan that supports Telehealth.

Focus Time Psychology is not responsible for the cost of the internet and associated technology for its clients. Focus Time Psychology utilises 2 forms of Telehealth (Power Diary Telehealth  and COVIU). These products have been reviewed and supported by the Australian Psychological Society. Telehealth will require prior consent and authorisation. Focus Time Psychology will initiate Telehealth sessions completed by telephone.

Although Telehealth programs are encrypted to protect potential, eavesdropping or collecting private information, there are vulnerabilities with Telehealth as with other internet programs. It is important that you are aware of the primary risks when using Telehealth.

  • Internet traffic between your internet connected device and your Psychologist could travel outside of Australia, as Telehealth services and their equipment may reside overseas.
  • Information such as your IP address (internet address), location, date and time, but not the content of the Telehealth session may be stored.
  • The ability to ‘hack’, overhear or record the content of the Telehealth session. This may occur if your computer technology is compromised (e.g. by a virus).

Focus Time Psychology recommend your review and consider such risks prior to engaging in Telehealth. Focus Time Psychology has in place reasonable measures to mitigate the security risks outlined. More information on Power Diary and COVIU security is available at the organisation web sites.

Limitations of Telehealth

A Telehealth consultation may be subject to limitations such as an unstable network connection which may affect the quality of the psychology session. In addition, there may be some services for which Telehealth is not appropriate or effective. Your psychologist will consider and discuss with you the appropriateness of ongoing Telehealth sessions.

Privacy and Confidentiality During Telehealth Sessions

When engaging in Telehealth consultations it is important that you have access to a safe, private, quiet space. It is also important that you have access to the technology needed (e.g. PC / Mac, smartphone, Tablet with a camera, microphone and speakers (preferably headset with microphone). A reliable internet connection is essential.

In consenting to engage in Tele-Health services from Focus Time Psychology you acknowledge these risks and consent to proceed with counselling on this basis.

 

Consent for Telehealth will be sent prior to service.