A Comparative Analysis of Telerehabilitation and Telemedicine Utilization During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland: Trends, Patterns, and Implications.

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to examine the influence of COVID-19 on the adoption of teleservices in Poland, with a focus on contrasting patterns between rehabilitation and ambulatory care settings. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a national dataset to assess trends in telehealth use from 2020 to 2022. The use of teleservices peaked in April 2020 in both sectors. The share of the teleservices in the period of October 2020-December 2022 was much higher in the ambulatory (average 7,8%) than the rehabilitation sector (average 0,16%). Although, the analysis showed a moderate relationship between COVID-19 incidence and telehealth utilization (Spearman's rho from 0.39 and 0.52). Our findings demonstrate no statistically significant difference in Spearman's rho values between ambulatory care and rehabilitation, indicating a similar strength of response to the pandemic waves. Our findings underscore the importance of telehealth services in ensuring healthcare accessibility during times of crisis, emphasizing their role in facilitating continuity of care amidst pandemic-related disruptions. This study contributes to the understanding of telehealth utilization trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering insights into the adaptive responses of healthcare systems to unprecedented challenges. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of telehealth use and to inform strategies for optimizing healthcare delivery in post-pandemic contexts.