During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid implementation of telerehabilitation has been both a challenge and an opportunity for healthcare providers. A recent study titled Clinicians Experiences of Implementing a Telerehabilitation Toolkit During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Descriptive Study offers valuable insights that can help practitioners improve their telerehabilitation services. This blog explores the key findings and recommendations from this study, focusing on enhancing outcomes for children through data-driven decisions.
Key Themes and Findings
The study identified four major themes that can inform the implementation of telerehabilitation:
- Implementation Considerations: Adequate infrastructure, equipment, and space are critical for effective telerehabilitation. Clinicians emphasized the need for extra computers, training on platforms like Zoom and Skype, and technological support.
- Innovations: The pandemic has accelerated the development of innovative practices, such as interprofessional assessments and the use of home pulse oximetry for remote monitoring.
- The Toolkit as a Catalyst: The Toronto Rehab Telerehab Toolkit has been instrumental in establishing a community of practice and demonstrating the importance of telerehabilitation to organizational leadership.
- Recommendations for Improvement: Clinicians suggested practical additions to the toolkit, including diagrams, videos, tips of the week, and patient stories. They also recommended specific guidelines for virtual assessments and addressing liability concerns.
Implementation Considerations
One of the most significant barriers to effective telerehabilitation is the lack of adequate infrastructure, equipment, and space. Clinicians highlighted the importance of having extra computers, training on virtual platforms, and technological support. For instance, some providers had to use their personal laptops and persuade hospital leadership to allow this practice. The prioritization of space for telerehabilitation was also seen as a facilitator, enabling providers to offer both in-person and virtual care.
Conversely, the absence of necessary infrastructure can hinder telerehabilitation. Patients' lack of equipment or internet access and the difficulties in finding dedicated space for virtual care were common challenges. For example, some patients didn't have blood pressure machines or cell phones, making it hard to perform essential assessments.
Innovations Developed
The pandemic has led to several innovative practices in telerehabilitation. Interprofessional assessments involving both occupational and physical therapists were found to be particularly beneficial for complex cases. Some sites developed virtual hospitals, while others increased the use of home pulse oximetry for remote monitoring.
The Toolkit as a Catalyst
The Toronto Rehab Telerehab Toolkit has played a crucial role in promoting telerehabilitation. It has helped clinicians reach out to peers, establish a community of practice, and demonstrate the importance of telerehabilitation to organizational leadership. The toolkit provided credibility to continue rehabilitation services, especially during the early stages of the pandemic.
Recommendations for the Toolkit
Clinicians offered several recommendations to improve the toolkit. These included adding practical content like diagrams, videos, tips of the week, and patient stories. They also suggested including guidelines for virtual assessments and addressing liability concerns. These additions could make the toolkit even more valuable for practitioners.
Conclusion
The study confirms some previously identified challenges and facilitators in implementing telerehabilitation. Adequate infrastructure, equipment, and organizational support are essential for effective telerehabilitation. The Toronto Rehab Telerehab Toolkit has been a valuable resource, and its next iteration will incorporate the recommendations from this study to promote safe, accessible, and effective telerehabilitation in the future.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Clinicians Experiences of Implementing a Telerehabilitation Toolkit During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Descriptive Study.
