Opinions on Remote Treatment Programmes for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As older adults increasingly use mobile devices and high-speed Internet, telerehabilitation has become a potential model for improving the clinical management of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
 METHODS: In the systematic literature review, search terms such as KOA, perception, satisfaction, telerehabilitation, and physiotherapy, were used in the PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and PEDro databases in October 2023. Only original articles written in English and published during the last ten years were included in the search. There were 16 studies listed in all.
 RESULTS: Online resources were used to provide interventions for KOA patients, including websites, mobile apps, phone calls, text messaging, social media, videoconferencing, and dedicated multi-technology systems. Overall, KOA patients used telerehabilitation very differently in terms of the type and application of this technology. Studies suggest that telerehabilitation is seen as a cost- and time-saver, characterised by anonymity, accessibility, and flexibility. Both physiotherapists and KOA patients expressed positive attitudes towards telerehabilitation, while patients expressed concerns about the lack of personal interaction with physiotherapists and the need for technical support, privacy, and security. Physiotherapists additionally expressed a lack of technical and communication skills, as well as financial concerns.
 CONCLUSION: Numerous studies have shown that KOA patients and physiotherapists have a positive attitude towards telerehabilitation. In addition to the technology-based exercise programme, self-directed telerehabilitation should include patient monitoring, biofeedback, or person-specific motivational messages.