TY - JOUR
T1 - Changes in physiotherapy services and use of technology for people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic
AU - Jonsdottir, Johanna
AU - Santoyo-Medina, Carme
AU - Kahraman, Turhan
AU - Kalron, Alon
AU - Rasova, Kamila
AU - Moumdjian, Lousin
AU - Coote, Susan
AU - Tacchino, Andrea
AU - Grange, Erica
AU - Smedal, Tori
AU - Arntzen, Ellen Christin
AU - Learmonth, Yvonne
AU - Pedulla, Ludovico
AU - Quinn, Gillian
AU - Kos, Daphne
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Elsevier B.V.
PY - 2023/3
Y1 - 2023/3
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Continuity of care
KW - Physiotherapy service
KW - Teleneurology
KW - Telerehabilitation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85146985518&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104520
DO - 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104520
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C2 - 36724646
AN - SCOPUS:85146985518
SN - 2211-0348
VL - 71
JO - Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
JF - Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
M1 - 104520
ER -