Technology has facilitated a range of new ways to provide physiotherapy services. This article will explore some of these technologies, including XRHealth, Telehealth, Smartphone apps, and PhysitrackTM. These innovative solutions can help physiotherapists provide the highest quality care to their patients while on the go.
PhysitrackTM
Physiotherapists who deliver physical therapy on the move can use the PhysitrackTM technology to personalise and share personalised exercise programs with patients. The technology allows therapists to monitor adherence and send direct messages to participants. The study involved patients from two primary care physiotherapy practices in the Netherlands.
Physitrack’s technology includes video demonstrations and interactive exercises. The app also allows physiotherapists to communicate with patients through secure video calls. The app also has an integrated telehealth component that enables physicians to analyse patient recovery. It also features questionnaires that allow therapists to collect information about the client’s progress.
Physitrack has had an exciting start to the new year. Recently, the company announced a collaboration with Apple to launch a new healthcare provider app and a free patient app called PhysiApp. Both applications offer faster performance and greater ease of use.
The pandemic forced physiotherapists to adopt new technologies. Near Me, virtual consultations recorded 91 per cent patient satisfaction and allowed the clinician to monitor the patient’s progress with wearable fitness trackers. Other physiotherapists developed desktop programmes to meet the needs of patients who couldn’t travel to the clinic.
XRHealth
The XRHealth VR headset allows physiotherapists to treat patients using virtual and augmented reality (AR) technology. The technology tracks movement in six degrees of freedom, including head, arm, and hand movements. The headset’s real-time data creates training plans and improves patients’ performance. It also lets the therapist monitor the patient’s progress and customise treatment plans.
With access to detailed information, therapists can adjust exercises and exercise sets accordingly. As a result, the patient’s adherence to therapy sessions improves. XRHealth also helps therapists improve working relationships with patients by tracking their progress and identifying areas for improvement.
The technology can treat substance abuse, mental health conditions, and pain management. It can also assist in rehabilitation programs, support groups, and memory training. This new technology allows doctors to interact with patients in virtual treatment rooms. The doctor can view the patient’s condition and adjust the treatment process in real time.
Telehealth
The use of these digital devices requires a variety of technical devices. It is essential that these tools be easy to use and can be easily integrated into everyday therapy. For example, an app enabling patients to download their program and follow the therapist’s instructions can help a physiotherapist monitor their treatment sessions better. In addition, digital health tools also help physiotherapists meet legal documentation requirements.
A study of physiotherapists’ experiences with mobile apps has shown that these applications can increase the efficiency of physiotherapy. In addition to improving efficiency, they may be more convenient for patients and therapists. Some sites have apps that provide patients with exercise programs and home-use information. Additionally, physiotherapists can communicate with patients through chat functions.
Smartphone apps
In addition to providing detailed information about exercise programs, smartphone apps can also help participants set and track goals.
Smartphone apps may also help patients with memory impairment, although further studies are necessary to confirm this finding. A smartphone app with a built-in brain-computer interface may improve patients’ daily life by reducing pain, enhancing function, and improving mental health.
Direct access
Direct access to mobile physiotherapy technology can also help physiotherapists improve patient compliance. Patients unable to attend appointments risk under utilising the healthcare system, resulting in lengthy waiting lists. In addition, patients who have difficulty travelling to a physiotherapist can use this technology to keep in contact with their therapists.
While there are still concerns regarding the cost-effectiveness of direct access, some studies show that patients receive fewer prescriptions, fewer radiographs, and fewer invasive treatments. These findings suggest positive effects for both patients and the national healthcare budget.
Direct access to mobile physiotherapy technology can improve patient care for people with musculoskeletal conditions.
Patient-centeredness
Patient-centred care involves focusing on the whole patient and addressing their specific needs. It includes providing education and continuous communication during all aspects of treatment. In addition, it involves working with a patient-defined treatment plan. Physiotherapists need specific knowledge, social skills, and confidence to offer practical, patient-centred care.
Developing patient-centred goals involves determining what activities are essential to the patient. For example, one patient-centred goal might be to increase mobility and promote wound healing. Further goals may focus on improving other functional activities. By enhancing mobility, for example, a patient can prevent future wounds.
The patient’s functional goals are essential in the process of assessing the progress of treatment. This approach from Sunshine Coast physiotherapists helps therapists comply with health policies and accreditation requirements while meeting the specific needs of the patient. Ultimately, therapy aims to improve the patient’s ability to care for themselves, participate in leisure activities, and work.
Smartphone applications encouraging patients to participate in their treatment plans are effective tools for supporting patients in their rehabilitation. Patients can engage in exercises and receive support through phone calls or email. Using smartphone applications, patients can also view videos of themselves performing exercises, which can improve their self-confidence and help them stick to an exercise program.
