Telerehabilitation in India: Points to Ponder Narekuli Anushree1,*, Raja Kavitha2, Pandve Harshal Tukaram3 1Ph.D. Scholar, RK University, Bhavnagar Highway, Kasturbadham, Rajkot, Gujarat 2Professor and Principal at JSS College of Physiotherapy, Mysuru, Karnataka 3Professor and Head, Dept. of Community Medicine at ESIC Medical College, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana *Corresponding Author: Anushree Narekuli, Ph.D. Scholar, RK University, Bhavnagar Highway Kasturbadham, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360020, E-mail: narekulia@gmail.com, Mob. +919860561578
Online published on 11 July, 2019. Abstract Inaccessibility, dependency on caregivers and healthcare costs are challenges faced by the geriatric population in low and middle- income countries. Due to these factors, elders are unwilling to engage in rehabilitation and preventive health programs. Therefore there is a need to identify alternative methods of health promotion services and telerehabilitation is one such method. Hence, this pilot study aimed to identify the barriers to video conferencing, which is an easy method of telerehabilitation delivery. This study was a cross-sectional survey using interview and observation methods. The results suggest that training on using technology is essential. This study was done in a limited urban area and participants were educated and computer literate. It is anticipated that other populations may vary in their perceptions and hence further research is required. Establishment of prerequisites prior to actual delivery of telerehabilitation may potentially increase acceptability and hence sustainability. Top Keywords Elderly, telehealth, videoconferencing, standardization. Top |