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Cook D, Pearson J. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists' experiences of using remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 72:102930. [PMID: 38552401 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in the rapid implementation of remote consultations to maintain musculoskeletal physiotherapy services. However, little is known about UK musculoskeletal physiotherapists' experiences of providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To explore musculoskeletal physiotherapists' experiences of using remote consultations in one area of England during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Qualitative study using hermeneutic phenomenology based on the approach of Gadamer. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with twelve musculoskeletal physiotherapists were conducted online using Microsoft Teams. Data were analysed using frameworks based on the philosophical concepts of Gadamer's hermeneutics. FINDINGS Musculoskeletal physiotherapists' experience of using remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic was framed by three concepts: therapeutic relationship, transformational change, and uncertainty. These concepts are underpinned by four main themes capturing their experiences: (1) Disconnection: Difficulties building a rapport and reduced non-verbal communication affected building an effective therapeutic relationship, (2) Necessity: Transformation of services to remote consultations was positive, although technology and connectivity issues had a negative impact, (3) Loss of control: Diagnostic uncertainty, being unprepared, and experience affected physiotherapists' clinical practice, (4) Protection: Peer support and the use of technology facilitated a feeling of protection for physiotherapists. CONCLUSION The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of musculoskeletal physiotherapists' experience of using remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for practice include the need to provide training for all musculoskeletal physiotherapists and undergraduates to enable the effective delivery of remote physiotherapy. Furthermore, digital infrastructure should be optimised to support future delivery of remote musculoskeletal physiotherapy services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Cook
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, BS16 1DD, United Kingdom.
| | - Jennifer Pearson
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, BS16 1DD, United Kingdom.
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Nelson C, Mandrusiak A, Forbes R. Perceived preparedness and training needs of new graduate physiotherapists' working with First Nations Australians. Physiother Theory Pract 2024; 40:1537-1550. [PMID: 36809246 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2179382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a considerable and ongoing health gap experienced by First Nations Australians. Physiotherapists play an integral role in the health care of this population; however, little is known about new graduate preparedness and training needs to work in a First Nations context. OBJECTIVE To explore the perceptions of new graduate physiotherapists regarding their preparedness and training needs for working with First Nation Australians. METHODS Qualitative telephone, semi-structured interviews of new graduate physiotherapists (n = 13) who have worked with First Nations Australians in the last two years. Inductive, reflexive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS Five themes were generated: 1) limitations of pre-professional training; 2) benefits of work integrated learning; 3) 'on the job' development; 4) intrapersonal factors and efforts; and 5) insights into improving training. CONCLUSION New graduate physiotherapists perceive that their preparedness to work in a First Nations health context is supported by practical and varied learning experiences. At the pre-professional level, new graduates benefit from work integrated learning and opportunities that evoke critical self-reflection. At the professional level, new graduates express a need for 'on the job' development, peer supervision, and tailored professional development, that focuses on the unique perspectives of the specific community in which they work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtley Nelson
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Allison Mandrusiak
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Roma Forbes
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Rettinger L, Putz P, Aichinger L, Javorszky SM, Widhalm K, Ertelt-Bach V, Huber A, Sargis S, Maul L, Radinger O, Werner F, Kuhn S. Telehealth Education in Allied Health Care and Nursing: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey of Students' Perceived Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, and Experience. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 10:e51112. [PMID: 38512310 PMCID: PMC10995793 DOI: 10.2196/51112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the growing relevance of telehealth in health care. Assessing health care and nursing students' telehealth competencies is crucial for its successful integration into education and practice. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess students' perceived telehealth knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences. In addition, we aimed to examine students' preferences for telehealth content and teaching methods within their curricula. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional web-based study in May 2022. A project-specific questionnaire, developed and refined through iterative feedback and face-validity testing, addressed topics such as demographics, personal perceptions, and professional experience with telehealth and solicited input on potential telehealth course content. Statistical analyses were conducted on surveys with at least a 50% completion rate, including descriptive statistics of categorical variables, graphical representation of results, and Kruskal Wallis tests for central tendencies in subgroup analyses. RESULTS A total of 261 students from 7 bachelor's and 4 master's health care and nursing programs participated in the study. Most students expressed interest in telehealth (180/261, 69% very or rather interested) and recognized its importance in their education (215/261, 82.4% very or rather important). However, most participants reported limited knowledge of telehealth applications concerning their profession (only 7/261, 2.7% stated profound knowledge) and limited active telehealth experience with various telehealth applications (between 18/261, 6.9% and 63/261, 24.1%). Statistically significant differences were found between study programs regarding telehealth interest (P=.005), knowledge (P<.001), perceived importance in education (P<.001), and perceived relevance after the pandemic (P=.004). Practical training with devices, software, and apps and telehealth case examples with various patient groups were perceived as most important for integration in future curricula. Most students preferred both interdisciplinary and program-specific courses. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes the need to integrate telehealth into health care education curricula, as students state positive telehealth attitudes but seem to be not adequately prepared for its implementation. To optimally prepare future health professionals for the increasing role of telehealth in practice, the results of this study can be considered when designing telehealth curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Rettinger
- Health Assisting Engineering, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Digital Medicine, Philipps-University & University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter Putz
- Competence Center INDICATION, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lea Aichinger
- Health Assisting Engineering, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Maria Javorszky
- Logopedics - Phoniatrics - Audiology, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Widhalm
- Physiotherapy, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Ertelt-Bach
- Occupational Therapy, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Huber
- Orthoptics, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sevan Sargis
- Midwifery, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Maul
- Health Assisting Engineering, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Radinger
- Competence Center Nursing Sciences, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Werner
- Health Assisting Engineering, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Kuhn
- Institute of Digital Medicine, Philipps-University & University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Ezzat AM, King MG, De Oliveira Silva D, Pazzinatto MF, Caneiro JP, Gourd S, McGlasson R, Malliaras P, Dennett A, Russell T, Kemp JL, Barton CJ. Co-development and evaluation of the Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit for physiotherapists. Musculoskeletal Care 2023. [PMID: 38047755 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In-person physiotherapy services are not readily available to all individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those in rural regions or with time-intensive responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that telehealth may facilitate access to, and continuity of care, yet many physiotherapists lack telehealth confidence and training. This project co-developed and evaluated a web-based professional development toolkit supporting physiotherapists to provide telehealth services for musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS A mixed-methods exploratory sequential design applied modified experience-based co-design methods (physiotherapists [n = 13], clinic administrators [n = 2], and people with musculoskeletal conditions [n = 7]) to develop an evidence-informed toolkit. Semi-structured workshops were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, refining the toolkit prototype. Subsequently, the toolkit was promoted via webinars and social media. The usability of the toolkit was examined with pre-post surveys examining changes in confidence, knowledge, and perceived telehealth competence (19 statements modelled from the theoretical domains framework) between toolkit users (>30 min) and non-users (0 min) using chi-squared tests for independence. Website analytics were summarised. RESULTS Twenty-two participants engaged in co-design workshops. Feedback led to the inclusion of more patient-facing resources, increased assessment-related visual content, streamlined toolkit organisation, and simplified, downloadable infographics. Three hundred and twenty-nine physiotherapists from 21 countries completed the baseline survey, with 172 (52%) completing the 3-month survey. Toolkit users had greater improvement in knowledge, confidence, and competence than non-users in 42% of statements. Seventy-two percentage of toolkit users said it changed their practice, and 95% would recommend the toolkit to colleagues. During the evaluation period, the toolkit received 5486 total views. DISCUSSION The co-designed web-based Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit is a professional development resource that may increase physiotherapist's confidence, knowledge, and competence in telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Ezzat
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew G King
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danilo De Oliveira Silva
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcella F Pazzinatto
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - J P Caneiro
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephanie Gourd
- Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Peter Malliaras
- Physiotherapy Department, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Dennett
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne L Kemp
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christian J Barton
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Rettinger L, Kuhn S. Barriers to Video Call-Based Telehealth in Allied Health Professions and Nursing: Scoping Review and Mapping Process. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46715. [PMID: 37526957 PMCID: PMC10427933 DOI: 10.2196/46715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth interventions have become increasingly important in health care provision, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video calls have emerged as a popular and effective method for delivering telehealth services; however, barriers limit the adoption among allied health professionals and nurses. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify and map the perceived barriers to the use of video call-based telehealth interventions among allied health professionals and nurses. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and CINAHL databases on June 22, 2022, and updated on January 3, 2023, following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Only original studies published in English or German since June 2017 that reported barriers to the use of video call-based telehealth interventions were eligible for inclusion. The studies had to involve interviews, focus groups, or questionnaires with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, audiologists, orthoptists, dieticians, midwives, or nurses. Each publication was coded for basic characteristics, including country, health profession, and target group. Inductive coding was used to identify the patterns, themes, and categories in the data. Individual codings were analyzed and summarized narratively, with similarities and differences in barriers identified across health professions and target groups. RESULTS A total of 56 publications were included in the review, with barriers identified and categorized into 8 main categories and 23 subcategories. The studies were conducted in various countries, predominantly the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, and India. Questionnaires were the most commonly used evaluation method, with 10,245 health professionals involved. Interviews or focus groups were conducted with 288 health professionals. Most of the included publications focused on specific health care professions, with the highest number addressing barriers for physical therapists, speech and language therapists, and audiologists. The barriers were related to technology issues, practice issues, patient issues, environmental issues, attributions, interpersonal issues, policies and regulations, and administration issues. The most reported barriers included the lack of hands-on experience, unreliable network connection, the lack of technology access, diminished fidelity of observations and poor conditions for visual instructions, the lack of technology skills, and diminished client-practitioner interaction and communication. CONCLUSIONS This review identified key barriers to video call-based telehealth use by allied health professionals and nurses, which can foster the development of stable infrastructure, education, training, guidelines, policies, and support systems to improve telehealth services. Further research is necessary to identify potential solutions to the identified barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Rettinger
- Health Assisting Engineering, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Digital Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kuhn
- Institute of Digital Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Selbsteinschätzung der Fähigkeiten zur Durchführung von Videobehandlungen australischer Physiotherapiestudierender am Ende ihrer Ausbildung oder kurz nach Ausbildungsende. PHYSIOSCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1957-4823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Aldawsary N, Almarwani M. The combined effect of gaze stability and balance exercises using telerehabilitation in individuals with vestibular disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282189. [PMID: 37146078 PMCID: PMC10162509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vestibular rehabilitation is recognized as the most effective intervention to relieve symptoms of dizziness and imbalance related to vestibular disorders. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the combined effect of gaze stability and balance exercises using telerehabilitation in individuals with vestibular disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This pilot study was a quasi-experimental, single-group design pre- to post-telerehabilitation intervention. Individuals with vestibular disorders between the ages of 25-60 participated in this study (n = 10). Participants underwent four weeks of combined gaze stability and balance exercises using telerehabilitation at their homes. The Arabic version of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale (A-ABC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Arabic version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (A-DHI) were assessed pre- and post-vestibular telerehabilitation. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to examine the magnitude of difference pre- and post-intervention scores of outcome measures. The effect size (r) for the Wilcoxon signed rank was calculated. RESULTS After four weeks of vestibular telerehabilitation, there was an improvement in BBS and A-DHI outcome measures (p < .001), with moderate effect size for both scales (r = 0.6). However, A-ABC showed no significant improvement among participants. CONCLUSION This pilot study found that the combined effect of gaze stability and balance exercises using telerehabilitation appear to be effective in improving balance and activities of daily living in individuals with vestibular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Aldawsary
- Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Department, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Almarwani
- Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Davies L, Lawford B, Bennell KL, Russell T, Hinman RS. Telehealth education and training in entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs in Australian universities: A qualitative study with university educators. Musculoskeletal Care 2022. [PMID: 36514306 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore attitudes to telehealth education and experiences incorporating telehealth education into entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs in Australia, from the perspective of university educators. METHODS Qualitative design based on a constructivist paradigm and a phenomenological approach. Sixteen university educators (who had a responsibility for telehealth curriculum or oversight of the broader curriculum in an entry-to-practice physiotherapy programme at an Australian university) were recruited. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using an inductive approach. RESULTS Three themes (with associated subthemes) were identified: (i) telehealth education has a role in contemporary physiotherapy practice (COVID-19 pandemic was a driver for telehealth education, acknowledgement that telehealth is here to stay and identified areas of focus for telehealth education and training); (ii) telehealth education and training vary substantially (content delivered and assessment of telehealth competency is ad hoc and student exposure to telehealth on clinical placements is inconsistent); (iii) challenges in telehealth education (finding space and time in the curriculum, as well as insufficient knowledge and expertise of staff, are challenges for implementation of telehealth education, however, course and subject development and/or reviews provide opportunities for implementing telehealth education and training). CONCLUSION Current content and volume of telehealth education and training in entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs across Australia varies substantially. Although educators believe telehealth is an important component of contemporary physiotherapy practice, many barriers exist for including telehealth training into the curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Davies
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Belinda Lawford
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim L Bennell
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- Recover Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rana S Hinman
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Davies L, Hinman RS, Russell T, Lawford B, Merolli M, Bennell KL. Self-reported confidence of final year Australian physiotherapy entry-to-practice students and recent graduates in their capability to deliver care via videoconferencing. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2022.2100928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Davies
- Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rana S. Hinman
- Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Belinda Lawford
- Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Merolli
- Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kim L. Bennell
- Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Martin R, Mandrusiak A, Russell T, Forbes R. A toolbox for teaching telehealth using simulation. CLINICAL TEACHER 2022; 19:270-275. [PMID: 35726556 PMCID: PMC9543712 DOI: 10.1111/tct.13510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Romany Martin
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Allison Mandrusiak
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston Rd, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roma Forbes
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Harrell RG, Schubert MC, Oxborough S, Whitney SL. Vestibular Rehabilitation Telehealth During the SAEA-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Front Neurol 2022; 12:781482. [PMID: 35126289 PMCID: PMC8811028 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.781482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical therapists transitioned to provide telehealth in the United States. We sought to determine the experiences of physical therapists delivering telerehabilitation for vestibular disorders including barriers, preferences, and concerns. A survey was created using the results of a focus group and previously published studies. The survey was distributed across social media sites and through email- the link was sent to the orthopedic, neurologic, and geriatric academies of the American Physical Therapy Association list serves. The email was also shared with each of the 50 state chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association. The survey was broken down into five sections: demographic information, physical therapists' general impressions of telehealth, physical therapists' comfort level treating various vestibular diagnoses, and common barriers physical therapists experienced during telehealth sessions. There were 159 completed surveys. More than 80% of physical therapists surveyed agreed that telehealth was an effective platform for vestibular physical therapy. When asked whether physical therapists felt the patient had similar health outcomes with telehealth versus clinic care 68% of physical therapists agreed. For the physical therapists who treated posterior or horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo via telehealth, more than 50% were comfortable treating these conditions via telehealth. In analyzing common peripheral vestibular diagnoses treated via telehealth including bilateral vestibular loss, Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis more than 75% of the physical therapists reported comfort treating these diagnoses. Similarly, more than 75% of physical therapists who treated central vestibular diagnoses- including mild traumatic brain injury and vestibular migraine- via telehealth reported being comfortable treating these diagnoses. Physical therapists reported several barriers to tele healthcare ranging from concerns about testing balance with no caregiver present (94%) to challenges with providing a written home exercise program (33%). Physical therapists report that telehealth is a viable mechanism for providing rehabilitation for persons with balance and vestibular disorders. For common diagnoses, most physical therapists were comfortable treating vestibular disorders via telehealth. While barriers remain including maintaining patient safety and being able to complete a thorough vestibular exam, telehealth for vestibular physical therapy services holds promise for the delivery of virtual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan G. Harrell
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael C. Schubert
- Laboratory of Vestibular NeuroAdaptation, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sara Oxborough
- National Dizzy and Balance Center, Bloomington, MN, United States
| | - Susan L. Whitney
- Department of Physical Therapy and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Susan L. Whitney
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