Users’ opinion from a telerehabilitation platform to prescribe exercise therapy: A qualitative approach

Abstract

Background and objective

Exercise therapy is one of the pillars of physiotherapy treatments. The development of new technologies and the growth of the number of people with Internet access open new options to the prescription of exercise therapy. The aim of this study is to analyze qualitatively how telerehabilitation is experienced from the perspective of two different types of users: (1) 4th year students of the Degree in Physiotherapy (future professionals), and (2) patients.

Materials and methods

Qualitative description research. One focus group for user type was registered. Data were coded and compared, and two researchers independently analyzed the data using a thematic analysis.

Results

The concept of telerehabilitation versus rehabilitation, the use of the interface (navigating the platform), and the strengths and points to be improved on the platform were the main themes that emerged. These detail users’ opinions and interaction with telerehabilitation and what options telerehabilitation offers.

Conclusions

The study has provided information about the opinion of users of a remote exercise therapy web platform. The application of technologies as a complement to physiotherapy seems to be quite accepted by both future professionals and patients, but further research in real clinical settings must be considered.