Enhancing Pediatric Telerehabilitation Skills: Insights from Recent Research
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to telerehabilitation (TR) to continue providing essential services. The study titled Benefits and Challenges of Telerehabilitation Use By Pediatric Physiotherapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic In Western and Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Survey provides valuable insights for practitioners. This blog will discuss the key findings and offer actionable steps to improve TR skills.
Key Findings
The study surveyed 110 pediatric physiotherapists in Western and Southern India, revealing both benefits and challenges of TR:
- Benefits: Increased access to services, reduced travel time, and continued care during lockdowns.
- Challenges: Technical difficulties, unstable internet connections, and the difficulty of delivering hands-on therapy remotely.
Implementing Research Outcomes
Here are some strategies to address the challenges and leverage the benefits identified in the study:
- Enhance Parent-Therapist Interaction: The study found that parent involvement is crucial for successful TR. Practitioners should develop strategies to engage parents more effectively, such as providing them with prior training and clear instructions.
- Address Technical Issues: Ensure that both therapists and patients have access to stable internet connections and necessary gadgets. Consider investing in user-friendly software and offering technical support to families.
- Hands-On Training: Although hands-on therapy is challenging via TR, practitioners can use creative solutions like video demonstrations and remote guidance to mimic hands-on techniques as closely as possible.
- Customize Home Environments: Encourage parents to create a distraction-free environment for TR sessions. This can significantly improve the quality of therapy.
Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the need for more research in the field of pediatric TR. Practitioners are encouraged to document their experiences, challenges, and successes to contribute to the growing body of knowledge. Collaborating with researchers can also provide valuable insights and improve TR practices.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Benefits and Challenges of Telerehabilitation Use By Pediatric Physiotherapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic In Western and Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Survey
