Alaska has the highest percentage of military veterans per capita in the United States. The veterans who live in Alaska rely on quality healthcare that includes access to specialty services such as occupational therapy. However, veterans who live in rural areas of the state often face time-, distance-, or weather-related obstacles that impede transportation to in-clinic visits. Telehealth offers a service delivery method that potentially reduces missed opportunities and lowers costs. Research evidence from interdisciplinary and rural telehealth program studies paired with veteran-reported experiences inspired this TeleOT program plan. Telehealth services establish unique platforms for occupational therapists to lead the future of accessible healthcare services and simultaneously meet the needs of diverse and evolving communities. The following program plan encompasses the needs of veterans who live in Alaska, face barriers to healthcare participation, and benefit from occupational therapy services.
