The authors conducted this study with the goal of exploring patients’ perceptions regarding telerehabilitation services received after total knee replacement. In their qualitative embedded single case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five patients who had previously received in-home telerehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty. Participants were asked to reflect on their 8-week rehabilitation process and on their experience with the home telerehabilitation program. Interviews were transcribed and a qualitative thematic analysis was conducted. Six overarching themes emerged from the patients’ perceptions: (1) improving access to services with reduced need for transportation; (2) developing a strong therapeutic relationship with therapist while maintaining a sense of personal space; (3) complementing telerehabilitation with in-person visits; (4) providing standardized yet tailored and challenging exercise programs using telerehabilitation; (5) perceived ease-of-use of telerehabilitation equipment; and (6) feeling a continuing sense of support.
The authors concluded that acquiring a greater understating of the patient’s experience in telerehabilitation will be essential as programs continue to be developed and applied.