Protocol: The Effectiveness of Telehealth as a Means for Administering Physical Therapy

Background: The Coronavirus pandemic has led more researchers to study the effectiveness of telehealth as a means for administering healthcare services. Prior to the pandemic, there has been limited research regarding the use of telehealth within the healthcare industry. More research relating to telehealth has been conducted within the past two years due to its growing relevance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth as a means for administering physical therapy services. Design: This will be a descriptive analysis research study design carried out through the means of an electronic survey. A paper or electronic flyer for this study provides a QR code and direct URL link for participants to access the electronic survey. Setting: The participants will be obtained through Pro Bono clinics that are willing to participate in the study who are registered in the Pro Bono Network. Analysis will be performed at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Participants: We hope to obtain 100 participants to complete our survey. The participants will include patients/caregivers, physical therapists, student physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapist assistants who have participated in telehealth physical therapy sessions. Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics Limitations: Limitations include that a small number of patient visits via telehealth may influence their opinion on their telehealth experience. There is a limited sample size of participants to complete the survey. Population is specific to pro bono clinics within the pro bono network. Survey research only provides data collected from a single point in time and is therefore difficult to measure changes in the population. Conclusion: Preliminary interviews with patients/caregivers and therapists outside our targeted population, along with available research suggests that the use of telehealth as a means for administering physical therapy is an effective, but limited method to deliver services.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2021/1010/thumbnail.jp