Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Date Submitted: Oct 28, 2022
Date Accepted: May 15, 2023
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Blended care in patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis in physical therapy: a Delphi study on needs and preconditions
ABSTRACT
Background:
Osteoarthritis is a major public health concern. Despite existing evidence-based treatment options, the health care situation remains unsatisfactory. Digital care options, especially combined with in-person sessions seems to be promising.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the needs, preconditions, barriers and facilitators of blended physical therapy.
Methods:
This Delphi study consisted of interviews, an online survey and focus groups. Participants were physical therapists, patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis with or without experience in digital care and stakeholders of the health care system. In the first phase, interviews were conducted with patients and physical therapists. The interview guide was based on the Consolidated Framework For Implementation Research. The interviews focused on experiences with digital and blended care. Furthermore, needs, facilitators and barriers were discussed. In the second phase, an online survey and focus groups served the process to confirm the needs and collect preconditions.
Results:
Nine physical therapists, seven patients and six stakeholders confirm that an increase of acceptance of digital care by physical therapists and patients is crucial. One of the most frequently mentioned facilitator was conducting regular in-person sessions. Physical therapists and patients conclude that blended physical therapy needs to be tailored to the patients needs. The reimbursement of blended physical therapy needs to be clarified. Discussion: Most importantly, it is necessary to strengthen the acceptance of patients and physical therapists towards digital care. Overall, for development and implementation purposes, it is crucial to take the needs and preconditions into account.
Conclusions:
Most importantly, it is necessary to strengthen the acceptance of patients and physical therapists towards digital care. Overall, for development and implementation purposes, it is crucial to take the needs and preconditions into account. Clinical Trial: DRKS00023386
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