Neurophysiotherapists are adopting a ‘blended approach’ in delivering rehab to their patients, incorporating both in-person therapy and telerehab, as they plan for the future of the profession post-pandemic.
Telerehab has grown hugely in its use since March, with therapy and consultations being delivered remotely due to the restrictions around social distancing and the shielding of many vulnerable people.
However, while physio practices and clinics have now re-opened and have resumed seeing patients in-person, many have realised the benefits of combining face-to-face contact with telerehab and plan to continue to use both into the future.
Having been an early adopter of telerehab, with its introduction being made years before the pandemic hit, PhysioFunction plans to continue its use alongside clinic-based appointments.
The business has built on its existing telerehab provision to add online therapy groups and classes to its offering, as well as expanding the remote technology service, all of which can be combined with in-person therapy to increase a patient’s rehabilitation opportunities.
“The blended approach works really well for many clients, but particularly those who are more vulnerable,” says Claire Everett, clinical operations manager at PhysioFunction and a senior neurological physiotherapist.
“Even prior to the pandemic our use of video consultations was working well, but I think everyone has got a bit more tech savvy over the past few months, so it’s definitely a key part of what we do now and will be into the future.
“For those who find it difficult to get out to appointments, or people who don’t want to leave their home at the minute, or for those who are having to isolate, we can see them by video instead of cancelling their appointment. It’s very important in having continuity.”
But while telerehab has grown in importance for PhysioFunction, which works with patients from a 100-mile radius from its specialist outpatient rehabilitation unit in Northampton, seeing people face-to-face can and will never be replaced.
“There will always be a need to see clients in person, that face-to-face contact is so important,” says Claire.
“For some things we offer, like FES assessments and fitting, that has to be done in the clinic. So in some scenarios, there is no alternative.
“But if people do want to come into the clinic, they can do so, in accordance with all the safety and hygiene measures we have introduced. Our waiting room is closed so we escort them in and out of the building, and their appointment will take place in their own room or ‘zone’, which allows for social distancing.
“We have had to change the layout of the building a bit to accommodate this, but we are trying to keep things as ‘normal’ as we can with regard to treatment and chatting to our team.”
While there was some initial reluctance from some clients, the combination of telerehab with in-person treatment is now widely accepted, says Claire.
“For some people, I think they had to see for themselves that the use of video worked, they needed that reassurance,” she says.
“But once they have realised it is effective, it can be a great addition to what they do with us in the clinic. There has been an increase in uptake for our classes, our neurofit class is helping clients to exercise while staying at home and following the guidance of the second lockdown.”
And as well as clients, the use of technology is benefitting the PhysioFunction team too, adds Claire.
“For the PhysioFunction team too, we’re finding the blended approach works. We had a CPD in-house event recently, which was done via Zoom, and that takes away the need to come in on a day off, or for people to stay at work late, as it’s done remotely,” she says.
“The blended approach works well for us and our clients alike, and it’s something we will absolutely be continuing to offer here.”
