DIGITAL PHYSIOTHERAPY: GUIDELINES AND PROSPECTIVE

K.M. Alvis^1,2, E. Palacio^1,3, A.C. Muñoz García^1,4, Y. Pinillos Patiño^1,3, A.K. Antolinez Romero^1,2, A. Gómez Cárdenas^1,5, J.A. Navarro Ortíz³, J.C. Paipa Corredor^1,2, M.V. Solarte Sarria^1,6

Background: Currently, when people have been forced to remain in their homes in preventive isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in Colombia the Ministry of Health,  has decided to offer the health care through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the development of Telehealth, in support of the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS) and in correspondence with the National Development Plan 2018-2022 where a social policy focused on the family is established, to promote health for all with quality and efficiency, by the provisions of Resolution 2654 of October 3, 2019. For physical therapy, the Implementation of the attention of users mediated by ICTs becomes a relevant aspect taking into account the need to facilitate access, opportunity, and resolution, especially interest in those who have supply and/or access limitations to this service in their geographical area. To formulate guidelines that assure quality conditions for the presentation of these services.

Purpose: Establish the basic guidelines for the development of Digital Physiotherapy in Colombia, from the perspective of teaching and professional practice.

Methods: An analytical review type study was carried out on the concept and conditions of digital practice in Physiotherapy. The documentary review and analysis included existing information at a global level of emerging digital physiotherapy practices, taking as a main reference the proposal agreed between the World Confederation of Physiotherapy (WCPT) and the member organizations of the International Network of Physiotherapy Regulatory Authorities (INPTRA). Subsequently, a methodology of expert groups was carried out ( Digital Physiotherapy Subgroup of Group 7 (Education) of the Covid-19 Physiotherapy Colombia Strategy), a  group of experts, interested professionals, and students in training, who analyzed the information and generated consensus over DP Guidelines. The socialization was carried out with the participation of more than 300 participants; and finally, the publication of the document on the pages and networks of trade union organizations.

Results: The Guidelines were formulated, which include the following items: Generalities of the PD that defines the different modalities of provision of PD; Regulatory Framework for PD worldwide and in Colombia; Conditions of Quality Assurance in the Provision of DP services; Standard conditions and requirements for the provision of DP services in Colombia and some final considerations are formulated on the challenges and conditions that must be faced around the development and implementation of these services in Colombia.

Conclusion(s): It is concluded that once the Guidelines for PD in Colombia have been formulated, they face great challenges, both for the development of digital skills and for the accessibility of the necessary technology. It is invited to strategically join efforts between academic and union organizations, which allows the construction of conditions that allow the assurance of the minimum necessary for the achievement of quality service provision through digital modalities.  

Implications: The guidelines and standards for exercising PD in Colombia are described.

Funding, acknowledgements: Colombian Physiotherapy Association-ASCOFI, Colombian College Of Physiotherapists-COLFI, Colombian Association Of Physiotherapy Faculties -ASCOFAFI, Colombian Association Of Physiotherapy Students-ACEFIT) and CLADEFK-Colombia

Keywords: Digital Physiotherapy, Education, Physiotherapy Educational Programs

Topic: Professional issues

Did this work require ethics approval? No

Institution: N/A

Committee: N/A

Reason: This work is a theoretical review of digital practice and not implies experimental or invasive methods.