Perceived Usefulness of Telerehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Belgium–France Pilot Study during Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has affected the practice of physiotherapy, and telerehabilitation (TR) may be seen as an alternative model of care if it is accepted by patients and physiotherapists. This study investigates the perceived usefulness of TR and the intention to use it among physiotherapists and patients from Belgium and France concerned with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during the pandemic period. Methods: An online questionnaire based on the technology-acceptance model was designed. Sociodemographic data were collected and Likert scales were proposed to assess perceived ease-of-use, perceived usefulness and intention to use TR. Data were collected between 17 January and 17 March 2021; 68 patients and 107 physiotherapists answered. Results: In total, 88% of patients and 76% physiotherapists had not used TR at the time they answered. Only 12% of patients and 1% of physiotherapists are willing to use TR, and 50% of physiotherapists think they will never use TR compared to 25% of patients. A total of 98% of participants agreed that they had a good mastery of the technological tools requested. Conclusions: Physiotherapists are more reluctant to use TR than patients, regardless of convincing EBM results. This is related to their own representation of proper MSD management, which must include the use of hands-on techniques.

Patient Experience of Integrated Care: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study Involving People with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases

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Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedics and the Implications of Telemedicine: A Systematic Review of the Literature

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Physiotherapists’ Perceptions and Willingness to Use Telerehabilitation in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A study among Belgian and French PTs was conducted between 17 January 2021 and 17 March 2021 (the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic) investigating the perceived usefulness of telerehabilitation among 107 PTs and 68 patients concerned with musculoskeletal disorders. Although telerehabilitation has experienced a renewed interest because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great majority of PTs working in Belgium and France (76%) had never used telerehabilitation at the time that they answered the questionnaire [ 25 ]. This may be due to the nature of the profession.…”