A survey of the experiences of delivering physiotherapy services through telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It reports physiotherapists' perceptions and self-reported practice changes, not patient outcomes or a comparison with in-person care. Responses came from 75 physiotherapists, about half of the outpatient physiotherapists in one Canadian health authority, so they may not apply to all physiotherapists or settings. Physiotherapists who had tried telerehabilitation or had positive experiences may have been more likely to respond. The authors noted sample size and nonresponse as limitations. The survey used a newly developed questionnaire rather than an established measurement tool. Data were collected during the pandemic, when providers were under extra strain, which may have affected perceptions of burden and safety.

The authors report financial support for the research and publication. Funding included a Scholar Award from Michael Smith Health Research BC awarded to CP and a Canada Research Chair in Neurological Rehabilitation awarded to JE.

Do not read this as proof that telerehabilitation works as well as in-person physiotherapy. It reports physiotherapists' perceptions, not patient outcomes, and fewer than half felt they could effectively treat pain, upper extremity function, strength or range of motion by videoconference.