Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which telehealth is taught in entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the United States, and to describe where it is taught in the curriculum. Method: A survey was sent during spring 2023 to 254 United States DPT program directors using email addresses from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) list of accredited DPT programs, with questions regarding telehealth education within the didactic and clinical portions of the programs. Results: Twenty-nine responses (11.4%) were received. Two participants did not complete the survey and were excluded, resulting in a total sample of 27 respondents (10.6%). It was found that telehealth education was included in the didactic portion of 96% of programs. 85% of programs reported that telehealth may be included in clinical education but was not required by the program. Of the 8% of programs reporting that telehealth content was not taught, half reported plans to increase telehealth content in the future. Four percent (4%) of all programs reported purchasing additional equipment for the purpose of telehealth education. Courses where telehealth content is presented include musculoskeletal, neuro-developmental, pediatric, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, professional issues, and as part of a pro-bono clinic. Conclusions: While telehealth is taught in all programs responding to this survey, there is no consistency as to the amount of content provided, or where in the program the information is presented.
Recommended Citation
Ashby J, Brismée J, Campbell DF. Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs Report Teaching Telehealth with Large Discrepancies: A United States Survey. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Jun 30;23(3), Article 8.
