Perceived Value and Use of Telerehabilitation: A Pilot Survey of Pediatric Physical Therapists

This pilot study provides preliminary insights into pediatric physical therapist (PT) current use and perceived value of telerehabilitation services, identifying key barriers and benefits associated with its implementation.

An electronic survey was sent to pediatric physical therapy clinical sites from three universities. Multiple-choice and open-ended questions focused on PT use and perception of telerehabilitation, patient characteristics, interventions and assessments utilized, and perceived barriers and benefits.

Data from 68 surveys were analyzed. Pediatric PTs reported an average of 15.5 years (SD = 10.5) of practice experience. Since the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, 42 participants (61.8%) indicated they have continued to provide telerehabilitation services. There was a small-to-moderate positive association between value of delivering telehealth and the frequency of delivering pediatric physical therapy via telehealth (r_s=0.29, p = 0.015). Perceived barriers included socioeconomic, child/caregiver engagement, child characteristics, administrative barriers, and limited hands-on care/reduced clinical effectiveness. Perceived benefits included increased access to services, family empowerment, opportunity for home programming, opportunity for continued services, and family involvement/engagement.

Study findings in this small sample support the perceived value of telerehabilitation as a pediatric physical therapy service delivery model and highlight the ongoing need for its continued use.