TELE-REHABILITATION IN CONTEMPORARY PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCATION: ENHANCING CLINICAL COMPETENCE THROUGH DIGITAL LEARNING

Abstract

Tele-rehabilitation can help physiotherapy education provide new opportunities for clinical learning. Tele-rehabilitation allows students to participate in remote patient care with enhanced communication skills and develop clinical reasoning abilities through flexible learning environments. This chapter reviews the current role of tele-rehabilitation in physiotherapy education and how it helps to improve clinical competence via digital learning. It includes examples of tele-rehabilitation applications, advantages, and barriers to integrating tele-rehabilitation into education programs. The experience gained through virtual consultations, online collaborative case discussions, and remote monitoring of patients in recent years has contributed to increased confidence in clinical decision-making and management of patients. Through exposure to a diverse range of clinical conditions and diverse healthcare settings, remote learning has encouraged students to adapt to new environments and new ways of delivering care. While there will always be a need for continuing hands-on clinical training, tele-material can be used as a useful adjunct to traditional education and support continuing education and professional growth. Tele-rehabilitation is a feasible and affordable way to prepare physiotherapists to meet traditional and new practices in contemporary physiotherapy by adapting to advancements in technology and changing patient and healthcare system needs.