Open AccessUsability of Telemedicine in Physical Therapy Rehabilitation: Systematic review (Preprint)
Author(s) -
Islam Ahmad Muhammad Mahmoud
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
jmir rehabilitation and assistive technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2369-2529
DOI - 10.2196/25250
Subject(s) - telemedicine , telerehabilitation , telehealth , usability , rehabilitation , videoconferencing , medicine , health care , physical therapy , multimedia , computer science , human–computer interaction , economics , economic growth
The term 'Telemedicine' was coined in the 1970s to imply 'healing at a distance. Physical therapy rehabilitation (PTR) focuses on the re-institution of function in bodily strength and movement. Covid-19 has created a challenge in one-on-one PTR sessions due to social distancing, which requires the minimization of all non-essential physical contact. Most outpatient services in PTR have had to be staggered and minimized to increase adherence to social distancing requirements and flatten the pandemic's curve. Telemedicine is applicable in PTR in several ways, including guided therapy sessions, and remote monitoring of patient progress through videoconferencing. Telemedicine allows patients to access PTR from the comfort of their homes, which minimizes travel costs and general strain on the body. Although it has been encumbered by various challenges, telemedicine could revolutionize the delivery of PTR while also increasing access to essential healthcare services.