Possibilities concerning the telerehabilitation of children with developmental age disorders and evaluation of such a therapy by their parents

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to analyse the possibility of conducting telerehabilitation among children with developmental age disorders (by their parents), as well as to evaluate its course and effectiveness.

Methods. The work analyses the possibilities of telerehabilitation among children in Poland and compares them with reports from other countries. Next, to parents of children who have undergone such a therapy were asked about their opinion. A survey was conducted in a group of parents of patients rehabilitated during the pandemic via teleconsultations. The survey included questions about the advantages and disadvantages of telerehabilitation, the evaluation of its effectiveness and further prospects for such a therapy.

Results and conclusion. 56.7% of the respondents were satisfied and 16.7% of parents were dissatisfied with this form of therapy. 60% of the examined people reported that constant contact with a physiotherapist motivated them to carry out systematic exercises with a child at home. Only 6.7% of patients did not see any progress in rehabilitation. 26.7% of people observed a very big improvement and 20% - a big improvement. In the longer time, 3.3% of the respondents declared a desire for exclusive telerehabilitation, 13.3% - would never like to take advantage of this form of therapy again. 36.7% of patients would expect hybrid therapy: some classes in the institution and some classes within the framework of teleconsultations. Telerehabilitation can be a valuable supplement to the traditional therapy for children with developmental age disorders. To ensure effectiveness, telerehabilitation requires very good cooperation between the therapist and the patient’s parents and with the child himself.

Cognitive value. The physiotherapist should know the expectations of the patient's parents and react to emerging problems. The analysis of parents' opinions presented in this study will help to create the best forms of telerehabilitation.