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Using Telehealth to Guarantee the Continuity of Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Elisabetta Brigo

    (REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium)

  • Aki Rintala

    (REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    Faculty of Social Services and Health Care, LAB University of Applied Sciences, 15210 Lahti, Finland)

  • Oyéné Kossi

    (REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    ENATSE, National School of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Parakou, Parakou 03 BP 10, Benin)

  • Fabian Verwaest

    (REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium)

  • Olivier Vanhoof

    (REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium)

  • Peter Feys

    (REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium)

  • Bruno Bonnechère

    (REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium)

Abstract

COVID-19 has abruptly disrupted healthcare services; however, the continuity of rehabilitation could be guaranteed using mobile technologies. This review aims to analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of telehealth solutions proposed to guarantee the continuity of rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PEDro databases were searched; the search was limited to randomized controlled trials, observational and explorative studies published up to 31 May 2022, assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty studies were included, for a total of 224,806 subjects: 93.1% with orthopedic complaints and 6.9% with non-orthopedic ones. The main strategies used were video and audio calls via commonly available technologies and free videoconferencing tools. Based on the current evidence, it is suggested that telerehabilitation is a feasible and effective solution, allowing the continuity of rehabilitation while reducing the risk of infection and the burden of travel. However, it is not widely used in clinical settings, and definitive conclusions cannot be currently drawn. Telerehabilitation seems a feasible and safe option to remotely deliver rehabilitation using commonly available mobile technologies, guaranteeing the continuity of care while respecting social distancing. Further research is, however, needed to strengthen and confirm these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisabetta Brigo & Aki Rintala & Oyéné Kossi & Fabian Verwaest & Olivier Vanhoof & Peter Feys & Bruno Bonnechère, 2022. "Using Telehealth to Guarantee the Continuity of Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10325-:d:892398
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Juan Jose Gonzalez-Gerez & Manuel Saavedra-Hernandez & Ernesto Anarte-Lazo & Carlos Bernal-Utrera & Manuel Perez-Ale & Cleofas Rodriguez-Blanco, 2021. "Short-Term Effects of a Respiratory Telerehabilitation Program in Confined COVID-19 Patients in the Acute Phase: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-9, July.
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    1. Valeska Gatica-Rojas & Ricardo Cartes-Velásquez, 2023. "Telerehabilitation in Low-Resource Settings to Improve Postural Balance in Older Adults: A Non-Inferiority Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(18), pages 1-13, September.

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