TELEREHABILITATION INNOVATION IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The State of the Science Symposium is held multiple times per year to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the fields such as rehabilitation medicine, engineering, and public health. The Symposium has continually focused on the health and well-being of active-duty military members, reserve/guard components, veterans, and their families. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing protocols adopted to combat viral spread, the State of the Science Symposium was moved to an online platform to minimize risk. In December 2020, the symposium invited professionals to discuss necessary changes in their fields of practice in light of the pandemic protocols, and how telehealth has expanded to encompass multiple disciplines. It is concluded that the adoption of telemedicine as a standard of care wherever appropriate will benefit all parties involved, even after restrictions on gatherings and interpersonal contact are eased.