Exploring attitudes of people with chronic health conditions towards the use of group-based telerehabilitation: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective The study explores the attitudes of people with chronic health conditions towards the use of group-based telerehabilitation. Design A qualitative research study. Setting The setting involved semi-structured focus groups via videoconferencing software. Participants A purposive sample of 18 people with chronic health conditions including cardiorespiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions was recruited via national patient advocacy and support groups in Ireland and clinical contacts. The sample included both those who had, and had not, previously engaged in telerehabilitation programmes. Procedures An online questionnaire collected demographic information and data regarding previous telerehabilitation participation and telerehabilitation preferences. Focus groups were conducted using videoconferencing software, in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) Checklist, and analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's methodology. Findings were triangulated with quantitative questionnaire data. Results Four focus groups were conducted including participants with chronic cardiorespiratory ( n = 8), neurological ( n = 6) and musculoskeletal ( n = 4) conditions. Three themes were identified regarding telerehabilitation: (a) benefits and facilitators (including convenience, increased service accessibility, social connection and technological support), (b) challenges and barriers (including technological access and literacy, limited ‘hands-on’ therapy, safety concerns and social limitations), and (c) preferences (regarding mode of delivery, content, duration and generic programmes for mixed-condition groups). Conclusions Telerehabilitation is convenient for people with chronic conditions; however, concerns exist regarding the use of technology and the limitations of this healthcare delivery method. The role of telerehabilitation is valued, and future programmes should acknowledge patient preferences including a hybrid model of care, exercise and educational content, social interaction and synchronous components.

Factors associated with the willingness to provide telerehabilitation by physiotherapists treating older adults or people with neurological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden

“…In the online survey we did not include a question about the physiotherapist’s concerns, or their perception of their patients’ concerns, towards safety related to TR compared to traditional rehabilitation. Concerns for safety is sometimes reported as a barrier towards telerehabilitation from patients [ 39 ], while on the other hand feasibility studies of telerehabilitation following stroke have reported good feasibility in relation to safety [ 40 , 41 ]. Without having investigated attitudes towards the safety of telerehabilitation specifically it remains unknown whether this could have been a factor contributing towards the willingness to use digital tools.…”