Exploring Older Adult’s Perceptions of Physiotherapist-Led Tele-Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Study

Jenna Smith-Turchyn, Holly Edward
Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the barriers, facilitators, needs, and beliefs of older adults living with chronic conditions engaging in PT-led tele-rehabilitation programs. 

Methods:

Following a descriptive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted. To be eligible to participate in the study, participants had to be English-speaking older adults (>65 years) living with one or more chronic conditions. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using content analysis and NVivo 14, two reviewers independently identified codes and categories that arose from the interviews.

Results:

Nineteen older adults (mean age = 77.4 years) participated in this study. Five main categories emerged: 1) older adults have unique needs regarding the use of PT-led tele-rehabilitation, 2) barriers to tele-rehabilitation exist for older adults, 3) facilitators to tele-rehabilitation can help engagement, 4) older adults have unique preferences in tele-rehabilitation delivery, and 5) beliefs surrounding tele-rehabilitation are positive. The participants typically preferred in-person services, but all agreed that virtual programs, mostly using videoconferencing means, could be helpful in improving various health outcomes (i.e., strength, mobility). Comfort with technology was the most frequently reported barrier and receiving guidance and ample support on how to use the technology was a frequently reported facilitator. Older adults expressed a need for clear instructions and an individualized program tailored to meet their goals. 

Conclusion(s):

Participants highlighted several needs and facilitators, as well as key barriers that must be addressed to enhance engagement in PT-led tele-rehabilitation. PTs should consider these findings to inform future tele-rehabilitation interventions to make them more meaningful for older adults living with chronic conditions.

Implications:

PT-led tele-rehabilitation programs should consist of individualized treatment plans providing ample encouragement, support, and feedback for older adults. Additionally, clinicians and policymakers should continue to promote and explore tele-rehabilitation as a treatment option to manage, prevent, and alleviate the burden that chronic conditions impose on individuals and healthcare systems overall.

Funding acknowledgements:
Holly Edward received a doctoral research scholarship from the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging (LCMA) for this work.
Keywords:
Aging
Tele-Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy
Primary topic:
Disability and rehabilitation
Second topic:
Older people
Third topic:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
Institution: Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University Ethics Committee: Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board
Provide the ethics approval number:
16677
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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