An International Core Capability Framework for Physiotherapists to Deliver Quality Care via Videoconferencing: A Delphi Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The provision of physiotherapy care via telehealth is becoming increasingly common and, in some circumstances, is a necessity, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is important to understand what are the core capabilities that physiotherapists need in order to deliver quality care via videoconferencing. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to develop a discipline-specific core capability framework for physiotherapists to deliver quality care via videoconferencing. METHODS An international Delphi panel comprising a steering group and experts in the field, including physiotherapy researchers, physiotherapy clinicians, representatives of physiotherapy organizations, and consumers, was established by drawing on the research team’s academic, research, and clinical networks as well as contacting international physiotherapy organizations. The draft framework was developed by the research team and steering group, based on relevant documents identified within the literature. The panel considered a draft framework of 73 specific capabilities mapped across 8 domains. Over 3 rounds, panelists rated their agreement (Likert or numerical rating scales) on whether each capability was essential (core) for physiotherapists to deliver quality care via videoconferencing. The capabilities that achieved consensus, defined as 75% of the panel ratings being ≥7 out of 10 in round 3, were retained. RESULTS A total of 130 panelists from 32 countries participated in round 1, with retention rates of 65% and 60% in rounds 2 and 3, respectively. The final framework comprised 60 capabilities across the following seven domains: compliance (capabilities: n=7), patient privacy and confidentiality (capabilities: n=4), patient safety (capabilities: n=7), technology skills (capabilities: n=7), telehealth delivery (capabilities: n=16), assessment and diagnosis (capabilities: n=7), and care planning and management (capabilities: n=12). CONCLUSIONS This framework outlines the specific core capabilities that are required of physiotherapists to provide quality care via videoconferencing. The core capability framework provides guidance for physiotherapists to deliver care via videoconferencing and will help inform the future development of physiotherapy curricula and professional development initiatives in the delivery of telehealth.

Emergency Management During Telehealth

“…This article adds to recent literature that established telehealth competencies across various health care specialties-mainly nursing and medicine [15][16][17]45 -by addressing patient safety procedures in-depth. The procedures presented herein specifically address the nuances of physical therapy practice that necessitate the need for additional competencies beyond those presented by medicine and nursing.…”

“…The procedures presented herein specifically address the nuances of physical therapy practice that necessitate the need for additional competencies beyond those presented by medicine and nursing. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Davies et al 16 undertook an international Delphi study in 2020 to identify the core skills physical therapists need to deliver quality care through synchronous video telehealth. This study resulted in 60 specific competencies grouped within 7 domains: (1) Compliance, (2) Patient privacy and confidentiality, (3) Patient safety, (4) Technology skills, (5) Telehealth delivery, (6) Assessment and diagnosis, and (7) Care planning and management.…”

Selbsteinschätzung der Fähigkeiten zur Durchführung von Videobehandlungen australischer Physiotherapiestudierender am Ende ihrer Ausbildung oder kurz nach Ausbildungsende

“…Ziel der Studie von Davies et al war daher, das Vertrauen von australischen Physiotherapiestudierenden und Absolvent*innen in ihre Fähigkeit zu ermitteln, physiotherapeutische Behandlungen über Videokonferenzen durchzuführen. Als Grundlage diente ein international anerkannter Rahmen für Kernfähigkeiten bei der Durchführung von Videokonferenzen 4 .…”

“…Die Umfrage zur vorliegenden Studie wurde auf Basis des Rahmenwerks für die qualitativ hochwertige Physiotherapiebehandlung über Videokonferenzsysteme durchgeführt 4 . Es stellt aktuell eine der wenigen verfügbaren und durch ein internationales Gremium von Expert*innen abgestimmte Orientierung zur Umsetzung einer Videotherapiesitzung dar und wurde vom selben Team von Autor*innen 4 publiziert.…”

“…Eine Umstellung auf eine Pandemiesituation fiel in Australien dadurch leichter als in anderen Ländern. Diese Vorreiterrolle zeigt sich auch in der physiotherapeutischen Ausbildung: Vorlesungen, Workshops, Seminare und Tutorials zum Umgang mit Videotherapie sind bis auf wenige Ausnahmen Bestandteil der Grundausbildung australischer Physiotherapierender, obwohl ein systematischer Ansatz fehlt 4 .…”