EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES OF FILIPINO PATIENTS WITH STROKE ON PHYSICAL THERAPY TELEREHABILITATION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Introduction: Physical therapy telerehabilitation has emerged due to the rise of COVID-19 to provide continuing treatment services outside the usual rehabilitation setting for patients with stroke, minimizing their risk of acquiring COVID-19. However, it is a relatively new service in the country; hence, further research is needed. This study explored the experiences and perspectives of Filipino patients with stroke who have undergone physical therapy telerehabilitation in the Philippines since March 2020, which identified the facilitators, barriers, and challenges encountered by the participants, which can help evaluate, implement, and develop physical therapy telerehabilitation. This will expand the scope of rehabilitation to patients with stroke who have no access to face-to-face rehabilitation or improve the training or education of Physical Therapists who are providing telerehabilitation to stroke patients. Methods: This qualitative phenomenological study design utilized purposive sampling to recruit participants. The participants were recruited by sending out invitation letters to centers, clinics, and referrals from other physical therapists. Semistructured interviews were conducted online using Google Meetings and Facebook Messenger. NVivo data analysis software was utilized to create codes and identify themes from the data gathered, and thematic analysis was used to extract the themes from the participants' insights. Results: A total of 8 participants participated in the study. Accessibility, affordability, and convenience, especially during COVID-19, were some reported benefits of physical therapy telerehabilitation. However, participants also mentioned barriers such as unstable internet connection, lack of equipment and physical feedback, difficulty setting up, and limited scope of exercises, making them prefer face-to-face settings. Discussion: Telerehabilitation can be an efficient way to provide physical therapy services for patients with stroke. It can produce positive physical and mental outcomes, but the limitations were perceived to contribute to the overall implementation significantly. These perceptions and experiences of the participants in telerehabilitation showed their benefits and adversities, offering opportunities for improvement.