Use of real-time videoconferencing to deliver physical therapy services: A scoping review of published and emerging evidence

Abstract

Introduction Telehealth may be a viable means to deliver physical therapy services across a range of practice settings and health conditions; however, there is limited uptake of telehealth in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to examine and describe trends, gaps and opportunities in published and emerging evidence regarding the use of real-time videoconferencing to deliver physical therapy services. Methods Four databases and three trial registries were searched using terms for physical therapy and telehealth. Inclusion criteria were primary studies, systematic reviews and published trial registries that had the following features: physical therapy assessment and/or treatment, real-time videoconferencing and English language. Title/abstract, full text screening and data extraction were completed by pairs of independent reviewers. Descriptive statistics stratified by published research and trial registry records were used to summarize study characteristics. Results A total of 100 studies (80 published and 20 trial registries) were included. Australia, Canada and the US have the highest proportion of published and emerging research (63.0%). The majority of conditions studied were musculoskeletal (42.0%). Computers were the most common videoconferencing technology used (31.0%) and only 14.0% of studies reported using a secure platform. The majority of studies examined health outcomes (64.0%) and process outcomes (65.0%), while only 32.0% reported system outcomes. Discussion Research in the field of telehealth and physical therapy is growing and becoming increasingly diverse with the advancements in technology.

Successes and Challenges of Implementing Teleprehabilitation for Onco-Surgical Candidates and Patients’ Experience: A Retrospective Pilot-Cohort Study

“…Telehealth has experienced rapid growth since the COVID-19 pandemic (6,9), enhancing its utility for diverse clinical applications. (17). Nevertheless, the literature is lacking with respect to the context of interventions and the clinical populations, more speci cally with regard to acute care and elderly patients.…”

Team VA Video Connect (VVC) to optimize mobility and physical activity in post-hospital discharge older veterans: baseline assessment

“…Use of telehealth for exercise in specific diseases (such as cancer) is well-accepted and has been adapted to a number of modalities, including web-based, mobile applications, text messaging, and telephone interventions [ 24 ]. Video telehealth rehabilitation services, particularly physical therapy, are growing, although there are few studies that include older adults over age 80 [ 25 ]. These programs may also include other interventions beyond exercise that may help to improve rehabilitation outcomes.…”

Team VA Video Connect (VVC) to Optimize Mobility and Physical Activity in Post-Hospital Discharge Older Veterans: Baseline Assessment

“…Use of telehealth for exercise in speci c diseases (such as cancer) is well-accepted and has been adapted to a number of modalities, including web-based, mobile applications, text messaging, and telephone interventions (16). Video telehealth rehabilitation services, particularly physical therapy, are growing, although there are few studies that include older adults over age 80 (17). These programs may also include other interventions beyond exercise that may help to improve rehabilitation outcomes.…”