Adoption of Telehealth by Pediatric Physical Therapists During COVID-19: A Survey Study.
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ABSTRACT: Purpose
To describe the characteristics of pediatric physical therapy telehealth practice during COVID-19.Methods
An anonymous, online survey was distributed to pediatric physical therapists (PTs) in the United States who transitioned to telehealth during COVID-19.Results
Two hundred five respondents completed all quantitative questions. Ninety-six percent reported never providing telehealth previously and only 14.6% had formal training. More than 35% reported 76% to 100% of their caseload transitioned to telehealth. Most respondents perceived that telehealth was somewhat or very effective for caregivers (90.3%) and children (77.1%) and felt somewhat or very confident providing telehealth (73.2%). However, those practicing in school-based settings rated perceived effectiveness and confidence lower than PTs in other settings. Ultimately, 76.1% of respondents would consider providing telehealth in the future.Conclusion
The forced transition of pediatric PTs to the telehealth model during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in positive experiences for many, supporting wider adoption in the future.
SUBMITTER: Hall JB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8478094 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description: Not available
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| S-EPMC8136025 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe slow increase in use of telemedicine began to expand rapidly, along with reimbursement changes, during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Standardized protocols for these services are lacking but are needed for effective and equitable health care. In this study, we queried pediatric nephrologists and their patients about their telemedicine experiences during the pandemic.MethodsSurveys that were in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act were deployed online to patients and physicians.ResultsWe collected survey responses from 400 patients and 197 pediatric nephrologists. Patients reported positive experiences with telemedicine visits as it was logistically easier than in-person visits. Patients also felt that the quality of their visits were equivalent to what they would receive in person. Physicians used a wide variety of online systems to conduct synchronous telemedicine with Zoom (23%), EPIC (9%), Doxy.me (7%), services not specified (37%), or a mix of local or smaller services (24%). Most physicians' concerns were related to technological issues and the ability to procure physical exams and/or laboratory results.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of published trials on telemedicine services in pediatric nephrology. Virtual care was feasible and acceptable for patients, caregivers, and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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