Over the past decade, BUSHkids has pioneered the integration of telepractice as a core component of its service delivery model to enhance access for children and families in rural and remote Queensland. This initiative began with the sponsorship of a PhD project to develop an evidence-based telepractice framework, which has since evolved into a comprehensive hybrid model combining face-to-face and remote service delivery.
This presentation traces the key milestones in embedding telepractice into everyday clinical practice and explores how clinicians have been supported to adapt and thrive within a hybrid model. It highlights innovations in parent and caregiver capacity building, effective strategies for engaging children remotely, and lessons learned in scaling sustainable services across geographically dispersed regions.
The presentation advances knowledge in paediatric occupational therapy by demonstrating how research-informed frameworks can be translated into practice to deliver equitable, high-quality services in challenging contexts. It underscores the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and evidence-based practice in sustaining telepractice as a mainstream mode of service delivery.
Participants will gain practical strategies and insights to strengthen telepractice capability, support workforce development, and inform future service design. Reference will also be made to the National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention, highlighting alignment between national principles and the BUSHkids model of care.