The The Effectiveness Of TelerehabilThe effectiveness of telerehabilitation-based physiotherapy on patient satisfaction in a rural population: a questionnaire-based study itation Based Physiotherapy On Patient Satisfaction In A Rural Population: A Questionnaire Based Study Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jhpo.V3I1.0040

Abstract

Access to in-person physiotherapy services in rural regions is often limited by barriers such as long travel times, poor transportation, financial constraints, and physical disability. Telerehabilitation offers a viable alternative by delivering physiotherapy services remotely through video or audio platforms. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with telerehabilitation-based physiotherapy in a rural population. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based pilot study was conducted among rural participants who had received telerehabilitation after discharge from IPD or following an OPD visit. Each participant underwent 2–3 individualised telerehabilitation sessions over 1–2 weeks via audio/video calls. A structured feedback questionnaire assessed satisfaction in areas such as ease of access, communication, time saving, and overall experience.
Of 34 participants, 91.2% reported that telerehabilitation saved time, 91.2% found communication with the therapist easy, and 88.2% found the system easy to use. A total of 50% rated their overall experience as “Very Good,” and 91.2% said they would recommend telerehabilitation to others. Technical difficulties were reported by 38.2% of participants, but did not significantly affect satisfaction. levels. Telerehabilitation was found to be an effective, user-friendly, and acceptable alternative to in-person physiotherapy for rural patients. It improved access to care, reduced travel burden, and resulted in high patient satisfaction. This model holds promise for broader implementation, especially in underserved regions.