Musculoskeletal ailments exert a significant impact on global populations. To address challenges posed by geographical constraints and financial limitations, physiotherapists have explored and found telerehabilitation to be a viable solution. Despite its proven effectiveness in clinical practice, the integration of telerehabilitation has been sluggish. This cross-sectional survey sought to delve into the perspectives and readiness of physiotherapists in Malaysia regarding telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods:
A customized survey instrument was developed and evaluated for face validity and reliability. The 36-item questionnaire was distributed through the Google Form platform, targeting respondents via social media channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp. Data analysis used descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage).
Results:
The survey garnered responses from 271 physiotherapists. A majority (76.3%, n = 202) expressed agreement regarding the potential benefits of telerehabilitation in physiotherapy practice. About 77% of the respondents also showcased greater readiness for monitoring client progress through telerehabilitation as opposed to assessment and treatment. Notable benefits identified by respondents included preventing cross-infection (98.5%) and reducing travel time for both clients (94.0%) and physiotherapists (90.6%).
Conclusion:
The study reveals that physiotherapists in Malaysia exhibit positive attitudes and preparedness for implementing telerehabilitation in managing musculoskeletal conditions.
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