Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants’ Readiness Levels to Deliver Telehealth Services: A Survey Analysis

Authors

Bhavana Raja, University of the PacificFollow
Alicia Rabena-Amen, University of the PacificFollow
David Gillette, University of the PacificFollow
Preeti Oza, University of the PacificFollow
Todd E. Davenport, University of the PacificFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical therapists (PT) and physical therapy assistants’ (PTA) readiness to deliver telehealth (TH) services during COVID-19 pandemic. Method: IRB approved this survey analysis study. The Modified Maryland TH Readiness Assessment Tool (mMTRAT) was distributed by email to all licensed PTs and PTAs in California in October 2020. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare between-groups differences for continuous demographic data. Pearson chi-square analysis was used to assess between-group distributions of categorical data. The statistical significance of between-groups median mMTRAT scores was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at α 0.05. Results: Respondents, n=337 completed the survey. Of the respondents, 42.9% reported having decision-making authority. Sixty percent of items in the core readiness domain and 80% in the financial consideration domain, 75% in the operations domain, 86% items in the staff engagement domain and 80% of the items in patient engagement domain demonstrated a median score of Agree/Strongly Agree. Self-identified decision makers demonstrated a significantly stronger assessment of readiness than non-decision-makers. Conclusions: Potentially important gaps remain across all areas of readiness. Observed limitations in agreement between decision-makers and non-decision-makers may present organizational challenges to TH adoption.

Author Bio(s)

Bhavana Raja, PT, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.

Alicia Rabena-Amen, PT, DPT, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.

David Gillette, PT, DPT, GCS, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.

Preeti D. Oza, PT, PhD, NCS, is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.

Todd E. Davenport, PT, DPT, MPH, OCS, is a Professor and vice-chair in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA

Acknowledgements

To all the licensed PTs and PTAs in the state of California

Recommended Citation

Raja B, Rabena-Amen A, Gillette D, Oza P, Davenport TE. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants’ Readiness Levels to Deliver Telehealth Services: A Survey Analysis. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Dec 15;22(1), Article 24.