Hand therapists' usage and perception of technology and telerehabilitation: An online survey study with a qualitative component.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift in healthcare delivery, necessitating the rapid adoption of technology, including telerehabilitation. This study focused on understanding the current perspectives and experiences of hand therapists in Canada and the United States regarding implementation of telerehabilitation in hand therapy, traditionally reliant on in-person interactions.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the utilization, perceptions, and barriers of telerehabilitation among hand therapists, providing insights into challenges and opportunities for incorporation into practices.

Study design: A cross-sectional survey collected responses from hand therapists through electronic surveys distributed via the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) and the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists (CSHT) mailing lists.

Methods: The survey, approved by the Western University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board, included nine demographic questions, eight rating questions, and four open-ended questions, focusing on technology acceptance and telerehabilitation satisfaction. Participants met criteria as licensed therapists with expertise in hand rehabilitation, practicing in Canada or the United States.

Results: A total of 129 participants completed the survey. Most therapists (84.3%) reported high comfort with basic technology, yet only 56.8% used technology in practice. Common modalities included internet (71.2%), telephone (61.8%), and smartphone applications (53.2%). Only 1.6% reported frequently using biometrics, and 0.0% for advanced technologies like wearables. While 75% recognized telerehabilitation's usefulness in improving patient accessibility, 91.5% believed it could not fully replace traditional methods. Concerns included poor quality in assessing orthoses fit (69.9%) and strength (53.3%). United States respondents were less likely to report current use of telerehabilitation (OR: 0.195; 95% CI [0.064-0.595]).

Conclusions: The study addressed technology-related challenges and highlights hand therapists' perceptions towards integrating telerehabilitation. Barriers related to rural areas and diverse patient conditions emphasize the importance of tailored approaches. Future directions should explore emerging technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence for enhanced clinical effectiveness of telerehabilitation.