Using distance technology to deliver the creative arts therapies to veterans: Case studies in art, dance/movement and music therapy. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spooner, Heather; Lee, Jenny B.; Langston, Diane G.; Sonke, Jill; Myers, Keith J.; Levy, Charles E.
• Is Part Of: Arts in psychotherapy. Volume 62(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Telehealth -- Veterans -- Military -- Art therapy -- Dance/movement therapy -- Music therapy; Art therapy -- Periodicals; Dance therapy -- Periodicals; Music therapy -- Periodicals; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 616.891656
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2018.11.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-4556

Abstract

Highlights: Telehealth improves access to care, particularly for participants who experience health disparities due to distance or disability. The creative arts therapies are included in the VA's initiative to expand telehealth services throughout the VHA health system. More creative arts therapists should receive telehealth training to become adept at adapting their practices to distance delivery. Case studies are one way for creative arts therapists to conceptualize how their hands-on practices can be adapted for distance delivery. Abstract: Three case studies of veterans are presented who received either art therapy, dance/movement therapy or music therapy via in-home, synchronous clinical video telehealth through a VA medical center in the southeastern United States. As the use of distance technology becomes more widely implemented within healthcare, it becomes increasingly important for providers to receive adequate training and develop comfort and confidence in adapting their practices to distance delivery. Case studies are one way for creative arts therapists to conceptualize and demonstrate how their in-person practices can be adapted for distance delivery via telehealth.