PERCEPTIONS OF FILIPINO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ON TELE-ERGONOMICS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: Tele-ergonomics is a telehealth service that shows great potential use given people’s growing reliance on the internet, highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have been conducted internationally regarding the implementation, feasibility, and efficiency of tele-ergonomics. As perceptions of physical therapists regarding this technology have not been explored in the Philippines, the objective of the study is to explore their perceptions on the practice. Methods: The study utilized a phenomenological design involving 10 licensed Filipino physical therapists selected through purposive sampling. Key informant interviews were conducted via Google Meet for data collection. The interview questions derived from Rosenstock’s Health Belief Model were self-made, semi-structured, and validated by two methodological experts. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed for the emergence of patterns by thematic content analysis through manual coding using Google Sheets to group themes and subthemes. The data was consolidated into an in-depth analysis and was further proofread by all researchers. Results: Thematic content analysis yielded a total of 52 codes, further categorized into four major themes, namely: (1) emergence of tele-ergonomics; (2) practices of tele-ergonomics; (3) its outcomes; and (4) recommendations for the future of the practice. Discussion: The study found that tele-ergonomics is necessary with the rise of digitalization and provided recommendations for the continuity of tele-ergonomics. It highlighted the need for proper training to refine the skills of physical therapists. As digitalization opens up new avenues of learning and delivery of services, it is important to establish comprehensive training that incorporates a more in-depth assessment of digital aspects. Hence, readiness is contingent upon proper training. The data further emphasizes one’s control over their motivation, behavior, and efficacy in providing the services.