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Remote Monitoring Enhanced Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Mixed-Methods Implementation Study
Kristen Hohl1, Monica Hendricksen, Reed Handlery
1Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois (K.H., M.H., H.R., K.S., S.J., M.R.R.); School of Physical Therapy, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Fort Smith, Arkansas (R.H.); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois (M.R.R.).
Remote therapeutic monitoring effectively increased daily steps and weekly exercise in physical therapy patients over six months. Therapist support enhanced long-term physical activity and exercise participation.
Area of Science:
- Physical Therapy
- Digital Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) utilizes technology to track patient physical activity and exercise.
- This study addresses the implementation and effectiveness of RTM in a diverse outpatient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation outcomes of RTM over a 6-month period.
- To assess the effects of RTM on daily steps and weekly aerobic exercise in patients undergoing physical therapy.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed in a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation study.
- Participants with various neurological and musculoskeletal conditions wore activity trackers, with clinicians providing tailored goal setting and evaluation.
- Data were collected via medical records, surveys, interviews, and meeting notes to assess implementation and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 81% of 42 participants completed the 6-month monitoring period with high fidelity to tracker use and goal setting.
- Significant increases were observed in daily steps (4892 to 5958) and weekly exercise minutes (44 to 83).
- Participant interviews highlighted motivation and accountability as key engagement drivers, while health and technology issues presented barriers.
Conclusions:
- Therapist-supported remote therapeutic monitoring is implementable in physical therapy settings.
- RTM shows potential for enhancing long-term physical activity and exercise participation in patients.
- This study provides initial evidence for RTM's role in improving patient outcomes in rehabilitation.
