Remote adult neurorehabilitation by physiotherapists using technologies during and beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: An international online survey

Kumar, Praveen; Mysore, Sunitha

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy rehabilitation is a fundamental component of multidisciplinary management following adult neurological conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen changes in professional practice across the globe and telerehabilitation (TR) delivery has continued care remotely and virtually, given face-to-face unfeasibility.
Purpose: The main aim of this study was to explore the remote provision of physiotherapy rehabilitation using technologies in patients with common adult neurological conditions during and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic phase.
Methods: A cross-sectional online international survey was conducted using Qualtrics platform and physiotherapists were sent the survey link via professional bodies in Europe, Asia, USA, Australia, Canada, UAE, India, South Africa and Singapore. A questionnaire was developed based on existing literature. Descriptive analyses, including frequencies, percentages and measures of centrality (median) and dispersion (range) were used to summarise the data.
Results: A total of 56 participants who met the criteria of engaging with technology based rehabilitation completed the survey. Only 46 respondents stated their country of work. Of these, 35 (76%) were from the UK, seven (15%) were South Africa, three (7%) from Australia and one (2%) was from UAE. Stroke, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal cord injuries were commonly seen conditions. Most common technologies used during COVID pandemic were telephone (98%), video conference (98%), recorded videos (65%), and mobile apps (65%). 45%, 55%, 23% and 6% found it moderate to extremely challenging using telephone, video conference, recorded videos and mobile apps respectively. Lack of support at home (40%), technical issues (30%), internet issues (33%) were some of the reported challenges / barriers for patients to access TR. Up to 82% of therapists were more likely to utilise TR post-pandemic.
Conclusion: Despite reminders we had very low response rates for an international based survey. Based on the responses received, therapists are likely to use technology based rehabilitation beyond pandemic phase.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: ACPIN International Conference, July 2022
• Start Date: Jul 11, 2022
• End Date: Jul 12, 2022
• Deposit Date: Dec 26, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 11, 2023
• Keywords: Neuro-Rehab, Telerehab, COVID
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10274531
• Related Public URLs: https://www.acpin.net/2022-conference/