THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES (TELE-REHABILITATION AND MOBILE HEALTH) ON ACCESSIBILITY AND QUALITY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY CARE: A LITERATURE REVIEW WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Abstract
This systematic synthesis evaluates the impact of digital physiotherapy (Tele-rehabilitation/mHealth) on the accessibility and quality of care, utilizing a focused literature search on the PubMed database (2015–2024). Methodology involved adherence to PRISMA-ScR, dual independent screening, and quality appraisal using the PEDro and AMSTAR 2 scales. Key findings establish that TR is clinically non-inferior to face-to-face (F2F) delivery for major conditions, including musculoskeletal and post-arthroplasty rehabilitation, maintaining high patient satisfaction through continuous professional feedback. Strategically, TR is cost-saving and critical for bridging geographical disparities, fulfilling an imperative for decentralized public health. We conclude that while TR represents a proven, high-quality, and economically advantageous alternative, its equitable expansion is severely limited by systemic barriers: the digital divide (poor infrastructure, low literacy) and strong provider resistance. Future research must prioritize long-term randomized trials and the development of optimized hybrid care models to ensure sustainable and equitable integration.
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