COMPETENCY-BASED TELE-REHABILITATION EDUCATION FOR MODERN PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE

Abstract

Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as an innovative approach in physiotherapy by using digital technologies for remote assessment, treatment, education, and patient monitoring. The rapid expansion of digital healthcare, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the importance of accessible, cost-effective, and continuous rehabilitation services. This chapter explores the concept, scope, and framework of tele-rehabilitation and its integration into physiotherapy education and clinical training. It discusses synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid models used in various rehabilitation settings and emphasizes competency-based training, curriculum integration, and e-learning approaches. The chapter also highlights the role of technologies such as video conferencing, mobile health applications, wearable devices, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in supporting effective rehabilitation services. Furthermore, it examines the major advantages of tele-rehabilitation, including improved accessibility, continuity of care, patient engagement, and educational flexibility, while also addressing challenges related to technological limitations, digital literacy, ethical concerns, privacy, and reduced hands-on interaction in physiotherapy practice.