Developing a competency model for telerehabilitation therapists and patients: Results of a cross-sectional online survey
2025

Developing a Competency Model for Telerehabilitation Therapists and Patients

Sample size: 335 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Stark-Blomeier Anna Lea, Krayter Stephan, Dockweiler Christoph

Primary Institution: University of Siegen, Germany

Hypothesis

What competencies are required by therapists and patients for a successful usage of telerehabilitation?

Conclusion

The study identified 23 core competencies for patients and 24 for therapists necessary for effective telerehabilitation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients need to gather program information and follow therapist instructions.
  • Therapists must adapt therapy and provide medical support.
  • Self-interest and self-management are crucial for patients.
  • Therapists' age and technology affinity influence competency relevance.
  • Competency models can guide training for telerehabilitation.

Takeaway

This study helps understand what skills patients and therapists need to use digital rehabilitation tools successfully.

Methodology

Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted with 262 patients and 73 therapists in Germany.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-selection of participants who may be more tech-savvy.

Limitations

The study may have sampling bias as participants were recruited through rehabilitation facilities, which may have favored those with a higher interest in technology.

Participant Demographics

Patients: 76.3% female, median age 50-59; Therapists: 67.1% female, median age 40-49.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0064

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pdig.0000710

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