Across the UK, the delivery of rehabilitation services is evolving rapidly, and occupational and physical therapy is no exception. Telerehabilitation is transforming how occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) engage with patients by making therapy sessions more accessible, flexible, and effective. For rehabilitation professionals, understanding how to apply best practices in telerehabilitation practice is crucial to delivering safe, evidence-based, and patient-centred care.
This blog explores the opportunities, requirements, and practical considerations for implementing telerehabilitation in clinical practice.
Telerehabilitation involves the remote delivery of rehabilitation services through digital technologies such as secure video consultations, interactive exercise platforms, and remote monitoring devices. Once considered only in exceptional circumstances, the use of telerehabilitation surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to grow as NHS trusts and private providers adopt hybrid models combining in-person and telerehabilitation care.
A recent systematic review found that telerehabilitation is not inferior to traditional physical therapy in improving physical function and quality of life across several conditions. Both occupational and physical therapists can now rely on strong evidence of the efficacy of telerehabilitation for adults, while clinical studies are also exploring telerehabilitation for children and paediatric populations.
For rehabilitation professionals, the evidence confirms that telerehabilitation may enhance patient outcomes and provide sustainable models of care in the future.
In occupational therapy practice and physical therapist practice, telerehabilitation offers wide-ranging benefits:
From stroke rehabilitation to musculoskeletal physiotherapy, positive experiences with telerehabilitation highlight its role in long-term recovery, patient engagement, and satisfaction with telerehabilitation services.
To safely deliver telerehabilitation in physical therapy or occupational therapy:
Therapists must deliver care via telerehabilitation using platforms that comply with NHS Digital’s Data Security Standards and UK GDPR. Patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of safe telehealth practice.
Physical assessment and functional evaluations require creativity when delivered remotely. PTs can use range-of-motion demonstrations via video, while OTs may request patients to show their home environment.
Telerehabilitation technologies, such as wearables and rehabilitation apps, can monitor physical function, exercise adherence, and progress in real time.
Effective telerehabilitation depends on patient engagement. Use clear instructions, goal-setting, and personalised therapy practice plans. Accessibility features, like captioning, should be offered where needed.
Documentation in telerehabilitation sessions should follow HCPC standards and safeguarding guidance, mirroring in-person practice.
Not every patient is suitable for telerehabilitation intervention. Assess the safety of telerehabilitation, willingness to use telerehabilitation, and digital access. Shared decision-making and clear consent are essential, guided by therapy association recommendations.
Therapists must ensure patients have safe home environments, suitable equipment, and digital readiness. Validated outcome measures like the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) support tracking during telerehabilitation sessions.
When providing telerehabilitation services, therapists should adapt exercises to digital formats, set escalation pathways for in-person care, and use structured therapy practice plans. Blending digital and physical exercises with coaching sustains engagement and reduces the risk of adverse events related to telerehabilitation.
All sessions must be documented in line with NHS digital health guidance. Accurate records ensure patient safety, continuity, and accountability in rehabilitation services.
Implementing telerehabilitation opens career opportunities for OTs and PTs across the NHS and private sectors. Rehabilitation professionals with experience in telehealth are increasingly sought after for:
Developing expertise in this area enhances employability and prepares therapists for future models of care.
As part of the NHS digital-first strategy, services via telerehabilitation are expected to expand across diverse clinical settings. Research continues to explore the efficacy of telerehabilitation for adults with traumatic injuries, telerehabilitation for paediatric patients, and innovative platforms.
With the publication of regular updates and clinical practice guidelines on telerehabilitation being developed internationally, the future holds a blueprint for telerehabilitation that is more integrated, safer, and widely accessible.
Telerehabilitation offers OTs and PTs a proven, effective model for delivering care in occupational and physical therapy practice. By implementing telerehabilitation best practices, therapists can ensure safe, high-quality services.
While challenges remain, evidence shows that telerehabilitation is not inferior to in-person rehabilitation, providing lasting benefits to patients and professionals. For rehabilitation professionals, the utility of telerehabilitation represents both a clinical opportunity and a pathway for career growth in modern healthcare.
Are you an OT or PT ready to expand your practice into tele-rehabilitation? Verovian AHPs Recruitment Agency connects allied health professionals with NHS and private sector opportunities where digital skills are in high demand. Join us to secure flexible roles that match your expertise and future-proof your career.
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