When I started college we talked about advancing technology and how it could be used. We would transform therapy provision; we were going to lead innovation!

In pondering our collective professions (PT/OT/ST) I wonder if we have been sufficiently innovative. I admit that often, my treatment was traditional in nature. Now, there is nothing wrong with traditional treatment, provided it fosters good outcomes. Yet, as professional caregivers, isn't it incumbent upon us to adopt something new from time to time? Yes, there have been new inventions and technology has advanced. Some have embraced new ways of engaging patients. I've witnessed their positive results.  

However, after treating and managing rehab operations for over a decade, I believe there has been too little effort toward advancing that aspect of our practice. We've all seen and heard about the “exer-gaming” benefits of the Wii. Why stop there?

Imagine the impact of a patient visiting with their granddaughter, during ambulation, live via webcam!  Or maybe it's as simple sending an email to an old friend, while they work on standing tolerance. With tablets, touch-screen's, the internet and more, it's a therapist's playground, literally at our fingertips.  Shouldn't we innovate as we rehabilitate?

Occupational therapist Christopher Krause directs the therapy business unit for It's Never 2 Late, an adaptive computer and technology company.