Implementation of telerehabilitation in response to COVID-19: Lessons learnt from neurorehabilitation clinical practice and education

The health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on neurorehabilitation provision both internationally and i New Zealand. Telerehabilitation, delivery of rehabilitation at a distance using information communication technologies, was advocated as means addressing needs our patients while maintaining physical distancing reducing risk viral transmission. Despite research evidence indicating that telerehabilitation is effective in-person for people with neurological conditions, there were challenges in delivering sustaining practice. We draw upon experiences clinical practice education reflect process change consider how these can inform development future. propose organisations physiotherapists continue develop capability provide telerehabilitation; physiotherapy profession focus translating their communicative, relational skills digital space ensure they are competent that, profession, we what constitutes “best practice” telerehabilitation, be integrated engaging, evidence-based person-centred rehabilitation.