Experiences Of Physiotherapists Research Articles

Experiences of physiotherapists working with adults living with Long COVID in Canada: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore experiences of physiotherapists working with adults living with Long COVID in Canada.DesignCross-sectional descriptive qualitative study involving online semi-structured interviews.ParticipantsWe recruited physiotherapists in Canada who self-identified as having clinically...

“Every patient teaches you something new”: experiences of physiotherapists delivering cognitive functional therapy for chronic, disabling low back pain in a randomised controlled trial

Purpose Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) is an individualised person-centred biopsychosocial intervention that demonstrated large and sustained clinically important improvements in people with chronic, disabling low back pain (LBP) in the RESTORE randomised controlled trial. This study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ experiences of delivering CFT in the RESTORE trial. Materials and methods Cross-sectional qualitative design using reflexive thematic analysis with interviews of 15 treating physiotherapists (3–25 years experience) across Perth and Sydney. Results The overarching theme was “Driving on P(probationary)-plates.” The probationary driver analogy encompassed feelings of being newly competent, gaining experience, and refining competencies. Four themes were developed: “Sharing the journey of transformational change,” “Refining new competencies,” “Navigating patient complexity,” and “Balancing patient care with trial-related processes.” Physiotherapists described the life-changing improvements and re-engagement with valued activities of their patients under the theme of “Sharing the journey of transformational change.” “Refining new competencies” described the continued enhancement of physiotherapists’ new competencies towards an individualised and collaborative approach. Conclusions: The experiences of physiotherapists trained to deliver individualised, person-centred biopsychosocial care within an RCT can be likened to being a probationary driver. Experiential learning, ongoing support, and opportunities to navigate challenges with complex patients were important aspects of the journey towards mastery.

‘Leaving my comfort zone’. A qualitative study of physiotherapists' experiences blending an eHealth psychosocial intervention with face-to-face physiotherapy

BackgroundMany physiotherapists do not feel adequately equipped to address psychosocial risk factors in people with complex pain states. Hence, a biopsychosocial blended intervention (Back2Action) was developed to assist physiotherapists to manage people with persistent spinal pain and coexisting psychosocial risk factors associated with the development or maintenance of persistent pain. ObjectiveThis study aimed to gain insight into the experiences of physiotherapists with this blended psychosocial intervention. Designand methods: This was an interpretative qualitative study with a reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists (N = 15) who delivered Back2Action. The interview started with the grand-tour question: “What was your experience in using Back2Action?” Physiotherapist were encouraged to provide examples, and follow-up questions were posed to ensure a deeper understanding could be reached. ResultsFour themes were constructed: Physiotherapists became increasingly aware of (1) their own implicit expectations, biases and skills, and underlying treatment paradigms, and (2) the implicit expectations from their patients towards them. This led to (3) creating a deeper and stronger therapeutic alliance with the patient, but also (4) an understanding that implementation of a true biopsychosocial intervention – even if offered in a blended form – requires more practice, confidence and resources. ConclusionsBack2Action is considered a valuable treatment to deliver a biopsychosocial intervention in primary care. Considering the high level of knowledge, skills and competency of the participating physiotherapists, the perceived barriers may be more difficult to overcome for more junior physiotherapists.

Rwandan Physiotherapists Experiences of a Digital Rehabilitation Solution: A Pilot Usability Study

Rwandan Physiotherapists Experiences of a Digital Rehabilitation Solution: A Pilot Usability Study

Atuação fisioterapêutica na reabilitação pós-COVID-19: conhecimento e experiência de fisioterapeutas

ABSTRACT After the acute phase of COVID-19, many patients have persistent symptoms or develop sequelae, which leads them to seek physiotherapy rehabilitation services. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge and experience of physiotherapists on the assessment and treatment of post-COVID-19 patients. The cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 73 physiotherapists using an online questionnaire about academic background, areas of expertise, knowledge about COVID-19, and knowledge and experience of assessment and treatment resources in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation, in addition to barriers to the care of these patients in the ambulatory care. Most physiotherapists had heard of post-COVID-19 syndrome, however, only 44% felt sufficiently informed about post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. There was a discrepancy between the degree of importance and experience with the frequency of use of assessment resources, especially the use of specific assessment instruments for skeletal muscle strength, mobility, and respiratory function, in addition to scales and questionnaires to assess disabilities, quality of life, and sleep quality. On the other hand, most reported the importance and had sufficient experience to treat post-COVID-19 patients using cheap and accessible resources. However, less than half use techniques related to respiratory muscle training and/or more sophisticated equipment. Thus, we conclude that most physiotherapists recognize the importance and report sufficient experience to assess and treat post-COVID-19 patients, however, there is a discrepancy between the assessment in the biopsychosocial context of the patient and the treatment process.

Physical therapy performance in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation: knowledge and experience of physiotherapists

RESUMO Após a fase aguda da COVID-19, muitos pacientes apresentam persistência de sintomas ou desenvolvem sequelas, o que os leva a procurar serviços de reabilitação fisioterapêutica. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o conhecimento e a experiência de fisioterapeutas sobre a avaliação e tratamento de pacientes pós-COVID-19. O estudo observacional transversal foi realizado com 73 profissionais, por meio de um questionário online sobre formação acadêmica, áreas de atuação, conhecimento sobre a COVID-19 e experiência sobre recursos de avaliação e tratamento na reabilitação pós-COVID-19, além de barreiras para o atendimento desses pacientes no ambiente ambulatorial. A maioria dos fisioterapeutas já tinham ouvido falar da síndrome pós-COVID-19, no entanto, apenas 44% se sentiam suficientemente informados sobre a reabilitação pós-COVID-19. Houve uma discrepância entre o grau de importância e experiência e a frequência da utilização dos recursos de avaliação, principalmente o uso de instrumentos específicos de avaliação para força muscular esquelética, mobilidade e função respiratória, além de escalas e questionários para avaliar incapacidades, qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono. Em contrapartida, a maioria relatou a importância deste tratamento, alegando ter grau de experiência suficiente para tratar os pacientes pós-COVID-19 com a utilização de recursos baratos e acessíveis. Dessa forma, menos da metade dos profissionais realiza técnicas vinculadas ao treinamento muscular respiratório e/ou equipamentos mais sofisticados. Concluímos, então, que a maioria dos fisioterapeutas reconhece a importância do tratamento de pacientes pós-COVID-19 e relata uma experiência suficiente para avaliá-los e tratá-los, entretanto, há uma discrepância entre o processo de avaliação no contexto biopsicossocial do paciente e o processo de tratamento.

Experiences of physiotherapists considering virtual reality for shoulder rehabilitation: A focus group study.

Shoulder pain is common and associated with substantial morbidity. Different treatment strategies are being prescribed with equivocal results. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel technology and emerging research suggests that VR may be a promising alternative to current treatments. Prior to effectiveness research or any large-scale introduction, VR-applications require appropriate scrutiny including feasibility- and acceptability of clinicians and patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to collect experiences of physiotherapists after using immersive VR. A qualitative interpretive design was used to explore physiotherapists' experiences related to the use of VR for people with shoulder symptoms. 17 physiotherapists were asked to use VR at home for five days prior to a focus group interview. Data from the focus group interviews were analyzed using a six-phase process of thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified, each divided into subthemes. The main themes were: 1. VR as an extension of contemporary physiotherapy care: physiotherapists were positive about the potential of VR and its applicability in daily care. 2. Physiotherapist uncertainties of future care using VR: participants expressed concerns about their professional identity, particularly as patients engage in independent home exercises. 3. Physiotherapist's requirements for implementation of VR: participants shared their needs for evidence regarding the effectiveness and parameters such as frequency, dosage and intensity of the VR intervention. Physiotherapists were positive about VR as an intervention tool. However, they felt more knowledge is needed about parameters of VR. The findings of this study inform researchers and technology developers about optimal design of interventions and applications using VR.

Breaking barriers: exploring physiotherapists' willingness and challenges in embracing telerehabilitation in a developing country.

Telerehabilitation (TR) is an innovative approach that can address the limited availability and restricted access to rehabilitation services, particularly during challenging times such as pandemics and natural disasters. This study focuses on understanding the desires, perceptions, and barriers that physiotherapists face when implementing TR in a developing country. The study was conducted with 219 physiotherapists residing in a developing country using a web-based survey on Google Docs. The findings revealed that a significant majority of physiotherapists (88.1%) recognized TR as a potential solution for individuals with physical problems during the pandemic. Additionally, 89.5% expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to receive consultations from different hospitals, indicating a positive perception of TR. However, the study also highlighted certain barriers that hindered the implementation of TR. Around 40.2% of physiotherapists reported having training deficiencies, suggesting a need for educational support in utilizing TR effectively. Furthermore, the analysis of demographic factors revealed interesting insights. It was noteworthy that the age and years of experience of physiotherapists had an impact on their willingness and adoption of TR. The study reveals that physiotherapists in the developing country exhibit a positive attitude towards TR and recognize its potential benefits. However, various barriers, such as training deficiencies, need to be addressed to facilitate a broader adoption of TR in their practices. Overcoming these barriers is anticipated to heighten physiotherapists' readiness to embrace TR, ultimately enhancing the accessibility and delivery of rehabilitation services.

Dry needling perceptions and experiences: A survey of Australian physiotherapists

BackgroundThere is a lack of information on the use of dry needling in Australian physiotherapy practice. ObjectivesOur primary aim was to enhance the understanding of why Australian physiotherapists use dry needling in clinical practice. The secondary aim was to explore Australian physiotherapists experiences with adverse events caused by dry needling. DesignCross-sectional online survey. MethodWe developed a survey and disseminated it through email to physiotherapists from all states and territories in Australia. Participant demographics and responses were reported as frequencies and percentages. Results/findingsWe invited 1006 Australian physiotherapists, of which 232 (23%) viewed the online survey and 203 (20%) consented to participate, of which nearly all completed the survey (n = 198, 98%). Most respondents worked in private practice (n = 164, 83%), with 127 (64%) reporting using dry needling as an intervention within the previous 12 months. Physiotherapists typically used dry needling to decrease pain intensity (n = 105, 85%) and reduce muscle tension (n = 100, 81%). Reports of minor adverse events were common and included discomfort during the treatment (n = 77, 62%) and bruising (n = 69, 56%). Some respondents reported experiencing major adverse events including prolonged aggravation of symptoms (n = 10, 8%) and syncope (n = 16, 13%). ConclusionsWe found that many Australian physiotherapists in private practice use dry needling, usually to decrease pain intensity and muscle tension. Minor adverse events were experienced by more than half the respondents and between 8 and 13% of the Australian physiotherapists surveyed reported experiencing a major adverse event due to dry needling.

Becoming partners in rehabilitation with patients in intensive care: physiotherapists’ perspectives

Purpose Person-centred care is widely accepted as being central to high quality care, but little is known about how physiotherapists implement person centred rehabilitation in Intensive Care. This study explores the self-reported experiences and interpretations of physiotherapists delivering person-centred rehabilitation in this setting. Methods A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis explored the lived experiences of physiotherapists and students who have worked in Intensive Care. Three focus groups, with four participants in each, were conducted. Data were fully transcribed, analysed and managed using NVivo software. Results Participants shared similar interpretations about the principles of person-centred care. Operationalising person-centred rehabilitation during early recovery was not easily achievable. As the person’s clinical condition improved, participants moved away from routine physiotherapy and their practice became more person-centred through the development of a partnership. Participants connected as humans to understand the person and respond to their needs within a culture that valued person-centred care. Conclusions Physiotherapists aspire to develop a partnership with their patients by connecting on a human level with them and addressing their biopsychosocial needs. Physiotherapists with experience of developing patient partnerships influence the culture of the Intensive Care team and are role-models to facilitate collaborative person-centred activity in others.

The experience of physiotherapists navigating the portfolio route to completion of the roadmap to practice

Background: The education of first contact practitioners (FCPs) working in musculoskeletal practice in primary care is guided by an NHS England framework: the Roadmap to Practice. This includes a portfolio route to recognise the skills and capabilities of experienced physiotherapists. Aim: To review the portfolio route for evidencing the capabilities expected of the roadmap through the experience of practitioners. Method: An online survey and interviews were conducted of FCPs and supervisors from early-implementer sites. Results: While participants largely supported the need for assurance of their capabilities, their personal perceptions of completing the portfolio were strongly influenced by their career stage, clinical experience and length of time in their FCP role. Individuals often had limited planned time for portfolio development and competing clinical priorities. Conclusion: The portfolio route was acknowledged as a valuable way to evidence capability within practice. The volume of evidence required and the limited guidance given were overwhelming for many participants.

The impact of COVID-19 on professional development for physiotherapists in Lagos, Nigeria.

Continuous professional development is important to maintain standards of care in the healthcare sector. However, in Lagos, Nigeria, the additional burden of COVID-19 and limited resources may provide separate challenges for physiotherapists' continuous professional development (CPD). To examine the availability and perceived quality of continuous professional development opportunities for physiotherapists working before and during the pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria. A qualitative study was conducted with 10 conveniently sampled physiotherapists, recruited via email. Interviews took place via Zoom, and the video function was utilised. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews using a pilot tested interview, and was transcribed and analysed thematically. The main method of workplace teaching pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 was bedside teaching (BT), which most participants received. Pre-COVID-19, the main barrier to receiving teaching was a lack of national guidelines providing specific details on CPD. During COVID-19, the main barrier was the difficulty of increased online teaching instead of teaching on real life patients. The main barriers for non-workplace CPD pre-COVID-19 were a lack of availability of learning opportunities and monetary cost of conferences. This was partially combatted by the increasing trend of online learning events during the pandemic, which increased access to non-workplace learning opportunities. Because of COVID-19, most CPD learning opportunities for physiotherapists in Lagos, Nigeria, were online, increasing overall accessibility. Adequate training to improve utilising online learning resources as well as specific guidelines for workplace physiotherapists CPD in Nigeria should be implemented and promoted to improve confidence and quality of care. Key insight into the CPD experiences of physiotherapists currently working in Lagos, Nigeria, which can guide policies and improve clinical outcomes.

INTEGRATING PHYSIOTHERAPISTS INTO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS-SECTION SURVEY

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of physiotherapists regarding their integration and identify the facilitators and challenges they encountered in primary health care. Understanding the perceived barriers, facilitators, and management strategies for successful integration is crucial in developing an informed framework to support future integration initiatives. Method: The study included eligible participants who were practicing physiotherapists, regardless of gender. Inclusion criteria required active engagement in the profession and possession of a Bachelors degree in physiotherapy. On the other hand, unemployed physiotherapists, individuals above 60 years of age, non-practicing physiotherapists, and those with degrees in technical studies were excluded from the study. Data was collected using a cross-sectional observational design through an Internet-based survey. The survey was conducted using the secure and anonymous Survey Monkey platform, ensuring participant confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. The survey specifically targeted registered physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia, allowing for the collection of valuable data from this specific population. Results: Upon analyzing the survey data, a total of 39 responses were received. The demographic breakdown of the respondents revealed that 46% of the completed questionnaires were filled out by therapists working in the Eastern province. The survey also shed light on the work experience of the participants, with a significant portion (43%) having practiced as therapists for 6-10 years. Regarding their professional environment, 73% of participants strongly agreed on the importance of teamwork, while 68% acknowledged the role of effective communication in their work. Furthermore, a substantial 70% strongly agreed that there is a lack of efficient space for physical therapy within primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Resources were also identified as a challenge, with 65% of respondents indicating a shortage of necessary equipment and resources for physical therapy in PHC. Conclusions: The survey responses provide valuable insights into the challenges and barriers related to integrating physical therapy into the primary healthcare (PHC) setting. These challenges range from a lack of understanding and clear referral processes to issues with space, resources, and workload. These findings can inform strategies aimed at improving the integration and delivery of physical therapy services within PHC, address the identified challenges, and enhance the overall quality of care.

In-between duty and hope for recognition, the experience of physiotherapists working in a university hospital during the COVID-19 first wave in Switzerland: a qualitative study based on focus groups.

Learning more about the physiotherapists' experience, perceived role and perception of events during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as their recovery and projection into the post-crisis future, may be useful to inform stakeholders about the impact of the crisis. The objective of this study was to investigate the experience of physiotherapists working in a university hospital in Switzerland during the 1st wave of the COVID-19 crisis, more specifically their subjective experience, professional involvement, perception of management and perceived implications for the future. This interpretative qualitative study investigated the subjective experience of a purposeful sample of 12 physiotherapists using two 2h semi-directive focus group interviews conducted by a physiotherapist in June 2020. Data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The report was approved by participants and the study was audited by a health anthropologist. The most impressive points were the unprecedented nature of the crisis, the health threat, the hospital's capacity to reorganise on a large scale and the solidarity between colleagues. Participants expressed a high level of commitment to their role despite the potentially serious repercussions at an individual level. Pride and stress coexisted for those directly involved in the crisis, while those working in a reduced activity department felt anxious and idle. The need for immediacy in decision-making and action led to a flattening of hierarchies and an increase of uncertainties. Communication management was seen as the main area for improvement. Physiotherapists hoped that their involvement would improve recognition of the profession but feared that working conditions would deteriorate after the crisis. The physiotherapists expressed high dedication to their profession and pride to be part of the "war effort" during the crisis. The stress level was partly tempered by the solidarity amongst health professionals and distraction by engaging in action. Despite the mental load, this situation was also seen as an opportunity to grow at a personal and professional level. The healthcare system capacity having not been exceeded in Switzerland, less distress related to death and powerlessness were expressed than in other studies investigating healthcare professionals' experience of the COVID-19 crisis.

Physiotherapists' views and experiences of health literacy in clinical practice.

Using a qualitative design, this study aimed to explore the experience of physiotherapists' supporting patient health literacy in clinical practice, gain an understanding of their conceptualisation of health literacy, and make recommendations for improving health literacy support in clinical practice. Convenience sampling via social media was used to recruit eight participants who were all physiotherapists practicing in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews took place on Zoom during the second Covid-19 lockdown. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed to uncover physiotherapists' views on health literacy, experiences of supporting patients with health literacy and opinions and recommendations for practice. Of the eight participants, five were female and the mean years of clinical experience as a qualified physiotherapist was 5.8. Four main themes were identified: physiotherapists' conceptualisation of health literacy, identification of health literacy and skills required to support patients, training and barriers to providing health literacy-sensitive care and recommendations for improvement. The findings highlighted that physiotherapists identified a patient's health literacy abilities by picking up tacit clues throughout their consultations and they pre-dominantly viewed health literacy as the ability to read, write and communicate effectively. They reported having a limited exposure to health literacy training and recommended raising awareness and education as key to improve practice.

The lived experiences of musculoskeletal physiotherapists managing patient expectations for diagnostic imaging: A qualitative study using a phenomenological analysis

ObjectivesUnnecessary diagnostic imaging for musculoskeletal presentations is a pervasive phenomenon, placing a substantial weight on healthcare resources. Their overuse can lead to iatrogenic consequences associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Factors which contribute to inappropriate imaging are multifactorial. Clinician-patient beliefs, behaviours, and expectations have been identified as central drivers. Physiotherapists play an important role in the utilisation of diagnostic imaging for musculoskeletal presentations throughout healthcare settings. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of physiotherapists managing patient expectations for diagnostic imaging. DesignA qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five participants were purposefully recruited and took part in semi-structured individual interviews. ResultsThe central themes identified were expectations for diagnostic imaging, managing expectations, communicating imaging findings, imaging as a therapeutic tool, and risk and uncertainty. ConclusionThe findings from this study gives new insights into how musculoskeletal physiotherapists manage expectations for diagnostic imaging, the associated complexities, and the challenges encountered.

P101 Understanding First Contact Physiotherapists experiences of remote consultations in primary care

Abstract Background/Aims First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) assess, diagnose and manage patients presenting with musculoskeletal disorders in primary care, without the need for prior GP consultation. Prior to COVID-19 almost every consultation was conducted in-person. Since the pandemic, many consultations are now undertaken remotely, a trend that is set to continue in line with the ‘Digital first’ strategy which seeks to enhance patient access to appointments. This aim of this study was to explore FCP views of remote consultations and how this impacted their role satisfaction and wellbeing. Methods This mixed methods two phase study consisted of an online survey investigating distributed via professional networks and through social media. The phase one survey explored consultation methods; levels of training; challenges and benefits; and a stress appraisal. Data were analysed descriptively. Respondents were invited to take part in phase two which included a semi-structured interview to gain an in-depth understanding of FCPs lived experience of remote consultation ways of working. Transcripts were thematically analysed. Results The online survey received n = 109 responses from UK-based FCPs. Data revealed that despite the ‘Digital First’ push for continued remote consultations, the majority of FCPs (62%) used them for less than a quarter of their appointment slots. Whilst recognising that many patients found this format convenient, FCPs highlighted their own stress levels, citing poor efficacy, anxiety of misdiagnosis, feelings of isolation and increased administrative workload. Nearly two thirds (66%) of respondents had not received any training in how to conduct effective remote consultations. Follow-up interviews with n = 16 FCPs highlighted coping strategies including following up with an in-person consultation and directing patients to other community health and wellbeing resources. In areas of high socioeconomic deprivation and poor health literacy additional problems associated with communication difficulties, poor IT access and capability, and digital poverty were all cited. Conclusion Remote consultations may offer a convenient alternative for some patients. FCP responses suggest that the continued offer of remote consultation is decreasing now pandemic restrictions have been lifted, despite the push for continued digital working practices. The perceived lack of efficacy, and fear of missing important diagnostic information means that many FCPs are either returning to in-person consultation or following up with a second face-to-face assessment resulting in potential service inefficiencies. Additional challenges were identified in areas of high deprivation and low health literacy, and the value of this consultation format needs to be considered in this context. Future work should focus on the training and support needs of FCP staff who are engaging with remote working to ensure clinical effectiveness and staff wellbeing. Disclosure N. Walsh: Grants/research support; Walsh is funded by NIHR. B.E. Jones: None. R. Thomas: None. Z. Anchors: None.

Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators-A Scoping Review.

The use of the biopsychosocial model in primary care physiotherapy for chronic pain is far from the recommendations given in research and current guidelines. To understand why physiotherapists have difficulty implementing a biopsychosocial approach, more insight is needed on the barriers and facilitators. This scoping review aimed to investigate and map these barriers and facilitators that physiotherapists working in primary care reportedly face when treating patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain from a biopsychosocial perspective. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and ERIC) and the grey literature were searched. Studies were included if they investigated the experiences of physiotherapists in the treatment of chronic pain from a biopsychosocial perspective in primary care. Extracted data were discussed and sub grouped in themes following a qualitative content analysis approach. To align with current use of theories on behavior change, the resulting themes were compared to the Theoretical Domains Framework. After screening, twenty-four studies were included. Eight groups of barriers and facilitators were identified, thematically clustered in six themes: knowledge, skills, and attitudes; environmental context and resources; role clarity; confidence; therapeutic alliance; and patient expectations. The results of this review can be used to inform the development of implementation programs.

Telerehabilitation Implementation: Perspectives from Physiotherapists Working in Complex Care

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid change in ways clinicians deliver physiotherapy services, leading to an important uprise in telerehabilitation implementation. Sharing the experiences of physiotherapists in clinically adopting this technology during this initial wave of the pandemic can influence future implementation. This mixed-method study aimed to identify the barriers and new facilitators of telerehabilitation clinical implementation. Methods: Canadian physiotherapists with and without telerehabilitation experience, working in various clinical settings, were recruited during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed the Assessing Determinants of Prospective Uptake of Virtual Reality instrument (ADOPT-VR) adapted for telerehabilitation and participated in online focus groups to explore their experiences with telerehabilitation implementation. Demographic data and ADOPT-VR responses were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Sixteen physiotherapists completed the study. Scores on the Likert scale showed that physiotherapists enjoyed telerehabilitation (7.5/10) and perceived it as being useful (7.3/10). Physiotherapists disagreed with the necessity to use only minimal mental efforts (4.4/10) and feeling familiar with the evidence (4.7/10). Limited access to telerehabilitation implementation evidence, a reduced hands-on approach, and a lack of validated remote assessments were reported as barriers. Discussion: Clinical practice guidelines, validated remote neurological assessments, changes in physiotherapy curriculum and policymaking are critical to improving telerehabilitation implementation within physiotherapy practices. Conclusion: Participants positively experienced the quick use of telerehabilitation from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some important barriers remain.

Physiotherapists' Adoption and Perceptions of Tele-Rehabilitation for Cardiorespiratory Care in Response to COVID-19.

The use of tele-rehabilitation as a mode for physiotherapy services was widely implemented following the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explored the perceived value and experiences of physiotherapists relating to tele-rehabilitation for cardiorespiratory care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physiotherapists who provided tele-rehabilitation to adults with cardiorespiratory conditions between March 11 and December 31, 2020. Interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Seven participants were interviewed; six practising solely in pulmonary rehabilitation and one practising in both pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation. Three major themes emerged: (1) the pandemic presented unique challenges to implementing tele-rehabilitation while exacerbating previous challenges inherent with virtual care, (2) tele-rehabilitation use during the pandemic was deemed as equally effective in quality of care and patient adherence when compared to in-person services, and (3) tele-rehabilitation had significant value during the pandemic and has potential as an alternative delivery model post pandemic. Despite the inherent challenges, tele-rehabilitation was endorsed by participants as a suitable and effective alternative to care delivery and holds promise as a post-pandemic delivery model. Further evaluation is needed to support and optimize tele-rehabilitation use in physiotherapy practice.