Changes in physiotherapy services and use of technology for people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic
Language English Country Netherlands Media print-electronic
Document type Journal Article
PubMed
36724646
DOI
10.1016/j.msard.2023.104520
PII: S2211-0348(23)00024-X
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- Keywords
- Continuity of care, Physiotherapy service, Teleneurology, Telerehabilitation,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Multiple Sclerosis * therapy MeSH
- Physical Therapy Modalities MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reorganization or reduction of neurorehabilitation services for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this study was to explore the changes in the organizational framework and technology usage in physiotherapy services for PwMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This international cross-sectional survey study was designed, developed, and disseminated by RIMS European Network for Best Practice and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation. Physiotherapists from nine countries (Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, Spain, Turkey) who provided physiotherapy services to PwMS, were invited to complete an online survey to compare physiotherapy delivery to PwMS prior to and during the pandemic period. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 215 physiotherapists. Accessibility, the average number, length and perceived effectiveness of physiotherapy sessions provided to PwMS were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic (p=0.001). Physiotherapists increased the advice of mobile apps, recorded videos for rehabilitation and exercise websites during the pandemic (p<0.001) while the use of telerehabilitation and virtual reality technology did not change. CONCLUSION: There was of a reduction in the number, duration and perceived effectiveness of rehabilitation sessions for people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic while use of remote technologies for physiotherapy did not change. To ensure the continuity of physiotherapy for PwMS with complex healthcare needs also during pandemics, the provision of guidelines and training in telehealth technologies in professional education becomes crucial.
CRRF Mons L Novarese Moncrivello Italy
Department of Rehabilitation 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic
IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS Milan Italy
Nord University Faculty of nursing and health sciences Bodø Norway
Physiotherapy Department St James's Hospital Dublin Ireland
Scientific Research Area Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Genoa Italy
Scientific Research Area Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Genova Italy
References provided by Crossref.org
COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis: challenges and lessons for patient care