Telerehabilitation for patients who have been hospitalised with covid-19: a qualitative study

Experiences of people with Long Covid with a digital physiotherapy intervention: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

Long Covid syndrome is a multiorgan condition with multiple sequelae affecting quality of life, capacity to work and daily activities. The advantages that new technologies can offer are presented as an opportunity in the current healthcare framework.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to explore people with Long Covid's experiences with a digital physiotherapy practice intervention, during four weeks.

METHODS

Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted by video call. Thirty-two Long Covid participants were invited to join an in-depth interview once the intervention was completed. Participants were queried on their intervention experiences and perceptions, as well as any lifestyle changes made, as a result of receiving digital physiotherapy practice. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

In-depth qualitative analysis has revealed four themes that reflect participants' perceptions of digital physiotherapy intervention. The helpfulness of the exercises, interaction with the physiotherapist, the domestic use of technology and the future of digital health practice were the topics highlighted by Long Covid participants. Some improvements have been suggested including video sounds and the need to introduce face-to-face sessions. Participants stated that interventions were helpful and superior to printed exercise sheets, mobile phone apps and usual care received. This intervention did not present major barriers, highlighting the importance of personalized care and continuity in the provision of health services.

CONCLUSION

The digital physiotherapy practice is perceived by people with Long Covid as an appropriate method for the care of their health needs. Participants stated the need for this type of intervention in the public health system, where it would eliminate waiting lists, facilitate accessibility and improve existing care.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Participants contributed to the interpretation of the data acquired in the interview.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration NCT04742946.

Telerehabilitation from the perspective of patients and healthcare providers: A 3-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

It is important to investigate satisfaction and perception of the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and its outcomes post-COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the patients' and healthcare providers' level of satisfaction with telerehabilitation and perception of its efficacy and describe how it became an established resource in a network of rehabilitation hospitals post-pandemic.

METHODS

The online survey about their experience with telerehabilitation was completed by 2,755 patients (322 new patients and 2,433 existing patients), and 668 providers from 26 different specialties.

RESULTS

Most patients and providers rated remote care as effective. There were no differences in scores between existing patients and new patients and the majority reported that their expectations were met. Most patients described their remote consults as good as or better than in-person, while providers mostly preferred in-person sessions. Despite most modalities having returned to in-person practice, there is still a significant percentage of telerehabilitation consults.

CONCLUSION

Three years after the start of the pandemic, despite a return to in-person treatment, we see a telerehabilitation culture being constructed as a resource to supplement the rehabilitation process, with potential for establishing this model in a network of rehabilitation hospitals.

Investigating Scottish Long COVID community rehabilitation service models from the perspectives of people living with Long COVID and healthcare professionals: a qualitative descriptive study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of barriers and facilitators to accessing Long COVID community rehabilitation.

DESIGN

We used a qualitative descriptive design over two rounds of data collection with three participant groups: (1) people with experience of rehabilitation for Long COVID (PwLC); (2) National Health Service (NHS) staff delivering and/or managing community rehabilitation services (allied health professionals (AHPs)) and (3) NHS staff involved in strategic planning around Long COVID in their health board (Long COVID leads).

SETTING

Four NHS Scotland territorial health boards.

PARTICIPANTS

51 interviews: eight Long COVID leads (11 interviews); 15 AHPs (25 interviews) and 15 PwLC (15 interviews).

RESULTS

Three key themes were identified: (1) accessing care for PwLC, (2) understanding Long COVID and its management and (3) strengths and limitations of existing Long COVID rehabilitation services.

CONCLUSIONS

Organisational delivery of Long COVID community rehabilitation is complex and presents multiple challenges. In addition, access to Long COVID community rehabilitation can be challenging. When accessed, these services are valued by PwLC but require adequate planning, publicity and resource. The findings presented here can be used by those developing and delivering services for people with Long COVID.