Istanbul Gelisim University - Telerehab for patients during pandemic

Telerehab for patients during pandemic

Expressing that serious restrictions were imposed on physical therapy protocols to control the spread of virus during the pandemic, physiotherapist Çağıl Ertürk says that telemedicine and telerehab applications are gaining popularity again and indicates “Telerehab provides convenience for patients who have coronavirus and various movement disorders.”

Stating that the COVID-19 epidemic has increased the use of telemedicine, physiotherapist Lecturer from Istanbul Gelişim University Faculty of Health Sciences, Çağıl Ertürk says, “In this period, one of the mechanisms of providing physical therapy is telemedicine. Telerehabilitation or telerehab is a technological audio-visual system that is especially used to serve patients with coronavirus to improve their lung functions.”

"PRELIMINARY EVIDENCES FOUND"

Providing information about telerehab, Ertürk says, "We have found preliminary evidences that the adoption of telerehab instead of face-to-face interventions is beneficial for reducing pain and improving physical function in patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain due to low back pain, lumbar stenosis, neck pain and osteoarthritis."

“SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN CAREFULLY”

Ertürk says, “Safety precautions should be taken carefully since all data of a patient needs to be transferred safely on online platforms. Ease of use and practicality are also important to encourage adherence to the treatment.” He also states that remote evaluation and intervention technology has been improved and developed in the last ten years.

Speaking about the advantages of Telerehab, Ertürk continues his words as follows:
“One of the biggest advantages of telerehab in the past was the ability to overcome physical barriers, namely transportation. More and more people are discovering the convenience, effectiveness and other benefits of completing tasks remotely with lockdown measures taken across the country. Telerehab provides indirect interaction-contact between the clinician and the patient. By removing the travel obligation between the patient and the provider, it reduces travel costs, rehabilitation services and caregiver’s burden. It provides convenience for patients with movement disorders."