Usability of Telemedicine in Physical Therapy Rehabilitation (Preprint)

Abstract

UNSTRUCTURED The term ‘Telemedicine’ was coined in the 1970s to literally imply ‘healing at a distance’. Physical therapy rehabilitation (PTR) focuses on the re-institution of function in bodily strength and movement. Covid-19 has created a challenge in one-on-one PTR session due to social distancing, which requires the minimization of all non-essential physical contact. Most outpatient services in PTR have had to be staggered and minimized to increase adherence to social distancing requirements and flatten the pandemic’s curve. Telemedicine is applicable in PTR in a number of ways, including guided therapy sessions, and remote monitoring of patient progress through videoconferencing. Telemedicine allows patients to access PTR from the comfort of their homes, which minimizes travel costs and general strain on the body. Although it has been encumbered by various challenges, telemedicine could revolutionize the delivery of PTR wile also increasing access to the essential healthcare service.