Journal of Ergonomics
Open Access

Telehealth Applications in Remote Rehabilitation with Occupational Therapy

Lihu Mvabe^{* *}Correspondence: Lihu Mvabe, Department of Safety and Health, University Shalom of Bunia, Bunia, Congo, Email:

Author info »

Description

Telehealth has emerged as a transformative tool in the field of healthcare, particularly in occupational therapy, where it enables the delivery of effective rehabilitation services to patients who face barriers to accessing in-person care. The integration of telehealth into occupational therapy practice addresses challenges such as geographic isolation, mobility limitations, and resource constraints [1]. By leveraging digital platforms, occupational therapists can extend their expertise to underserved populations, ensuring continuity of care and fostering patient-centered rehabilitation approaches. The rapid adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its potential in maintaining healthcare services amid disruptions. Occupational therapy, a discipline centered on improving patients’ ability to perform daily activities, adapted seamlessly to virtual formats. Telehealth allowed therapists to conduct assessments, develop individualized intervention plans, and monitor progress through video conferencing and other digital tools. Patients could engage in therapy sessions from their homes, providing a practical and convenient alternative to clinic visits. This not only ensured safety but also empowered patients to practice functional tasks in their natural environments, thereby enhancing the relevance and applicability of interventions [2,3].

A significant advantage of telehealth in occupational therapy is its capacity to promote accessibility. Rural and remote areas often lack specialized therapy services, leaving residents with limited options for rehabilitation. Telehealth bridges this gap by connecting patients with qualified therapists regardless of location. Furthermore, individuals with physical disabilities or chronic conditions that restrict mobility can benefit immensely from home-based therapy sessions [4]. The convenience of telehealth eliminates logistical challenges such as transportation, reducing the overall burden on patients and their caregivers. Telehealth also fosters a collaborative approach to care by involving family members and caregivers in the rehabilitation process. In virtual sessions, therapists can directly observe the patient’s home environment and provide tailored recommendations for adaptations or assistive devices. This realtime interaction allows for immediate feedback and adjustment, optimizing the effectiveness of interventions. Family members often gain a better understanding of the therapy goals and can actively participate in supporting the patient’s progress, creating a more holistic and supportive care network [5,6].

However, the implementation of telehealth in occupational therapy is not without challenges. Technological barriers, such as limited access to high-speed internet and inadequate familiarity with digital tools, can hinder the effectiveness of virtual sessions. For older adults, who often represent a significant proportion of therapy recipients, navigating telehealth platforms may require additional guidance and support. Moreover, certain therapeutic interventions, particularly those requiring hands-on techniques or specialized equipment, may be difficult to replicate in a virtual setting [7]. These limitations necessitate a hybrid model of care, where telehealth complements rather than replaces in-person therapy sessions. Ethical considerations also play a crucial role in telehealth adoption. Ensuring patient privacy and data security is paramount, as virtual sessions involve the exchange of sensitive health information. Therapists must adhere to strict protocols to safeguard confidentiality and comply with regulatory standards such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Additionally, equitable access to telehealth services remains a pressing concern. Efforts must be made to address disparities in technology availability and digital literacy, ensuring that telehealth benefits are accessible to all segments of the population [8].

Despite these challenges, the long-term potential of telehealth in occupational therapy is undeniable. Advances in technology, including wearable devices and artificial intelligence, hold promise for enhancing remote rehabilitation. Wearable sensors can track movement and provide real-time data, enabling therapists to monitor patient progress more accurately. AI-driven platforms can assist in designing personalized therapy programs and adapting interventions based on patient responses. Such innovations will likely expand the scope and impact of telehealth, making it an integral component of future occupational therapy practices. Telehealth represents a paradigm shift in the delivery of occupational therapy services, offering unparalleled opportunities to improve accessibility, convenience, and patient engagement [9]. While challenges related to technology, ethics, and intervention feasibility must be addressed, the benefits of telehealth far outweigh its limitations. By embracing telehealth, occupational therapists can reach broader populations, adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes, and continue to empower patients in achieving their functional goals. As technology advances and healthcare systems integrate telehealth more comprehensively, its role in enhancing remote rehabilitation will undoubtedly become even more significant [10].

References

1. Cosby AG, McDoom-Echebiri MM, James W, Khandekar H, Brown W, Hanna HL. Growth and persistence of place-based mortality in the United States: the rural mortality penalty. Am J Public Health. 2019;109(1):155-162.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]

2. Richman L, Pearson J, Beasley C, Stanifer J. Addressing health inequalities in diverse, rural communities: an unmet need. SSM Popul Health. 2019;7:100398.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]

3. Smith AS, Trevelyan E. The older population in rural America: 2012-2016. American Community Survey Reports. 2019.

   [Google Scholar]

4. Peterson LE, Bazemore A, Bragg EJ, Xierali I, Warshaw GA. Rural–urban distribution of the US geriatrics physician workforce. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011;59(4):699-703.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]

5. Liu CJ, Chang WP, Chang MC. Occupational therapy interventions to improve activities of daily living for community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2018;72(4):7204190060p1-1.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]

6. Hale-Gallardo JL, Kreider CM, Jia H, Castaneda G, Freytes IM, Cowper Ripley DC. Telerehabilitation for rural veterans: a qualitative assessment of barriers and facilitators to implementation. JMDH.2020 1(2):559-570.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]

7. Dobis EA, McGranahan D. Rural residents appear to be more vulnerable to serious infection or death from coronavirus COVID-19. Amber Waves. 2021.

   [Google Scholar]

8. Cohen SA, Cook SK, Sando TA, Sabik NJ. What aspects of rural life contribute to rural�urban health disparities in older adults? Evidence from a national survey. J. Rural Health. 2018 ;34(3):293-303.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]

9. Hung KN G, Fong KN. Effects of telerehabilitation in occupational therapy practice: A systematic review. Hong Kong J. Occup. Ther. 2019;32(1):3-21.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]

10. Luconi F, Rochette A, Grad R, Hallé MC, Chin D, Habib B. A multifaceted continuing professional development intervention to move stroke rehabilitation guidelines into professional practice: a feasibility study. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation. 2020 17;27(6):401-441.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Pubmed]