Innovations in Virtual Care

Gillette Children’s believes every child should have access to the best medical care and rehabilitation. The Minnesota-based pediatric hospital and clinic network expanded virtual services so more families can see the best doctors and therapists in the world. Virtual care uses technology, such as a computer, phone, or tablet, to connect patients and Gillette health providers securely and easily.

Family appreciates safety and ease

“Virtual rehabilitation made all the difference for my son, Lincoln,” Dee Thao says.

The busy mother of four was trying to help Lincoln, who has cerebral palsy, gain strength before spinal dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. His procedure, scheduled in March 2020, coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dee and her husband, Keng, are grateful Gillette gave them access to virtual therapy so Lincoln’s surgery could proceed on time.

“Gillette reached out to us and let us know about the option to have Lincoln’s physical therapy sessions virtually,” Dee recalls. “This meant Lincoln and his therapist, Mary Kaleta, could meet in the convenience and safety of our home.”

An experienced team in your home

The Gillette rehabilitation therapy team of more than 100 therapists includes physical, occupational and speech services. Our therapists have specialized and advanced training focused on pediatrics and complex conditions. This allows the team to collaborate and tailor therapy to each child’s needs and ensures the sessions work well for a family at home.

“One of the real benefits of a virtual physical therapy session was our therapist could see our home setting,” Dee says. “Mary could see what we had in our home and make suggestions about ways to make Lincoln’s sessions more challenging and interesting. For example, we have a little basketball hoop in our house and Mary suggested Lincoln try to shoot a few hoops. This motivated him to move and have fun.”

Lincoln’s twin brother, Lennox, got to observe and help with the physical therapy sessions. He acted as a “ball boy” as his brother shot hoops in the house.

“It really became a family activity,” Keng says. “We were glad we didn’t have to travel. This was especially true because, at the time, some of our children were doing virtual school. It would have been difficult to navigate that and Lincoln’s therapy sessions at the same time.”

Physicians share benefits of virtual care

Andrea Paulson, MD, medical director for Gillette’s network of clinics in Greater Minnesota, knows it can be challenging to transport a child who has a disability or other physical needs. “It’s important to make sure kids get the services they need without having to travel far and without putting an extra burden on a family,” Paulson says.

Tori Bahr, MD, medical director of pediatrics, hears from families who are pleased with virtual rehab. “I’ve had families say they’ve really liked doing virtual therapy because they feel like it’s easier to implement the therapy into their day-to-day lives in a way that it wasn’t before,” Bahr says.

Dee and Keng Thao agree and add that parents can see a real benefit to virtual rehab. “You are literally ‘hands on’ with your child,” Dee says. “This allows you to really gauge their strength and challenges. We love seeing the progress.”

To see more about virtual rehabilitation and spend time with the Thao family, watch their video at gillette.mn/vrt. This innovative service is now available to families in areas beyond Minnesota, including in Canada.