Pediatric Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Telehealth Continuation Post-pandemic: A Thematic Analysis of Open-Ended Survey Responses.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To explore pediatric physical therapists' (PTs) perceptions about continuing telehealth services post-pandemic. METHODS: Two open-ended questions from a larger survey were analyzed using a pragmatic application of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred two pediatric PTs in the United States responded. Themes included Telehealth During COVID-19, Benefits, Drawbacks , and Recommendations . Telehealth During COVID-19 acknowledged adopting and providing telehealth during a global pandemic was likely different than at other times. Benefits described perceived positive aspects of telehealth for children, families, and PTs, which support continuation of telehealth post-pandemic. Drawbacks described perceived negative aspects of telehealth for children, families, and PTs, which may dissuade continuation. Recommendations described respondents' recommendations for the continuation of telehealth. Ultimately respondents recommended a hybrid model of telehealth and in-person services going forward. CONCLUSIONS: A hybrid model of telehealth and in-person services may have the benefits of increasing access, flexibility, efficiency, communication, and home programming across pediatric practice settings.