Abstract
People with spinal cord injury (SCI) require extensive rehabilitation to maximize independence and quality of life. Much of this treatment occurs on an outpatient basis through telerehabilitation or clinic-based services. Synchronous telerehabilitation has become increasingly common in recent years, but many professionals remain reluctant to suggest it when clinic-based services are available. This survey study explored case managers' perceptions regarding advantages and disadvantages of synchronous telerehabilitation versus clinic-based physical therapy services for people with SCI. Respondents were 89 case managers responsible for service provision coordination. Results showed a significant preference for clinic-based rather than telerehabilitation physical therapy services. Relative experience with the two service delivery models significantly affected perceptions. Only facilitating travel convenience differed significantly as a reason for recommending one service delivery method over the other. The incongruity between perceptions about synchronous telerehabilitation and existing literature about its cost, convenience, and efficacy suggests a need for additional education.
Highlights
People with spinal cord injury (SCI) require extensive rehabilitation to maximize independence and quality of life
Synchronous telerehabilitation remains unfamiliar to a majority of case managers despite its increased use as a service delivery option because of physical contact restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Despite decreased availability of clinic-based physical therapy services forced by COVID-19 restrictions and promotion of telerehabilitation as a viable alternative service delivery model (Lee, 2020; Stein et al, 2020; Turolla et al, 2020), most case managers remain unfamiliar with the latter option
Summary
People with spinal cord injury (SCI) require extensive rehabilitation to maximize independence and quality of life. Accepted advantages exist for the use of telerehabilitation rather than the more traditional, clinic-based service delivery model These advantages include the possibility for consultation with top professional specialists regardless of geographic proximity (Irgens et al, 2018; Niknamian, 2019; Schmeler et al, 2008), the elimination of travel time and expense for clients as well as reduced reliance on other people or handicapped-accessible transportation (Kairy et al, 2013; Levy et al, 2015; Nikmanian, 2019; Schmeler et al, 2009; Yuen et al, 2015), and the receipt of therapy services in the comfort and privacy of home (Kairy et al, 2013; Theodoros & Russell, 2008). Weighing the advantages and disadvantages for a particular client is critical to making appropriate service delivery recommendations
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