Patient-centeredness and acceptability of remotely delivered physical therapy care for musculoskeletal disorders in four large hospitals within the Military Health System

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical therapy services delivered remotely are becoming more common. The purpose was to summarize the acceptability and patient-centeredness of remotely delivered physical therapy.MethodsThis was a survey study. Patients and clinicians from physical therapy clinics in the US Military Health System were asked to provide feedback at the conclusion of each remote visit. Platform, reason for care, components of physical therapy delivered and received, satisfaction, and perception of patient-centeredness were collected. Results were summarized as proportions and frequencies.ResultsFeedback was provided by physical therapists for 250 visits and from patients for 61 visits. Most visits were completed using audio only (n = 172; 68.8%) while the rest integrated video capability (n = 78; 31.2%). Overall patients perceived their care was patient-centered either completely or very much. Over 90% of visits were perceived by physical therapists as being highly patient centered. For 53.2% of visits, patients thought that same visit would have been even more impactful in person and for 52.4% of visits, physical therapists thought the visit would have been more impactful in person.ConclusionEven though remotely provided physical therapy care was rated by patients to be patient-centered, approximately half of the patients responding felt the same physical therapy visit would have been more impactful in person. Similarly, physical therapists felt that their intervention would have been more impactful in person for approximately half of all visits. Physical therapy care delivered remotely was patient-centered and an acceptable alternative to in-person care for both patients and physical therapists.