A Meta-Synthesis on Clients' Experience with Telerehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• Telerehabilitation (TR) aims to provide equitable therapeutic care remotely.
• Patient perceptions of TR efficiency, technology, and satisfaction require further investigation.
• A systematic synthesis of patient experiences is crucial for understanding TR's impact on health and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review client perceptions and experiences with telerehabilitation.
• To synthesize qualitative data on patient engagement with remote therapeutic services.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of qualitative studies was performed.
• Searches were conducted across eight electronic databases up to February 2026.
• Data synthesis and quality appraisal using the CASP tool were employed.

Main Results:

• 26 studies were included from 1667 initial articles.
• Key themes identified: enhanced accessibility, perceived efficiency, therapeutic relationships, and digital/contextual challenges.
• Patient experiences reveal both benefits and barriers to TR adoption.

Conclusions:

• Telerehabilitation fundamentally changes rehabilitation delivery, integrating technology with care.
• TR effectiveness hinges on aligning patient capabilities, clinical needs, and organizational support.
• Addressing digital and contextual barriers is essential to prevent TR from exacerbating health inequities.