Implementation of a telerehabilitation program for children with neurodevelopmental disorders during the lockdown caused by COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Telerehabilitation is a tool for patients who, for different reasons, cannot participate in person with their physical presence. We aimed to identify the factors associated with satisfaction with telerehabilitation in families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders through a program that included physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Methods: The program was developed during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Outcome measures: Child's age, the school stage to which they belonged, the person of reference in their daily care at home. The resources provided to the families, as well as the frequency of activities and difficulties detected, were evaluated through a survey. Findings: One hundred thirteen families responded to the survey. The general assessment resources were classified as very good. The average frequency of carrying out the activities was two times a week, with an average of 30 minutes per session. The ability to understand the information in the manual was not affected by the academic status of the caregivers ( p = 0.286). Conclusions: This is the first study to quantify the multidisciplinary approach to children with neurodevelopmental disorders using telerehabilitation. The results show high levels of participation and satisfaction. The resources could be shared for their applicability in other countries whose families have similar needs conditioned by COVID-19.

Perspectives of Saudi Occupational Therapists Regarding Telerehabilitation: A Qualitative Study

“…Most participants had experience using telerehabilitation with different technological devices and methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the use of telerehabilitation in providing Saudi rehabilitation services during COVID-19 was sudden, OTs gained valuable knowledge relevant to longer-term feasibility of this mode of delivery; similar experiences were reported in a study in Spain (Báez-Suárez et al, 2022). Participants' experiences also provide evidence of the Saudi infrastructure needed for telerehabilitation implementation including venues, IT, and infrastructure such as high-speed internet.…”