Learning from COVID-19 to improve access to physiotherapy
Jessica Stanhope A and Philip Weinstein B CA School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
B School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: philip.weinstein@adelaide.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 26(4) 271-272 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY20141
Submitted: 15 June 2020 Accepted: 7 July 2020 Published: 16 July 2020
Journal Compilation © La Trobe University 2020 Open Access CC BY
Abstract
Funding for telehealth should continue post-COVID-19 and should include provision for tele-physiotherapy. There are several instances where tele-physiotherapy may be an appropriate form of primary care, including the early management of acute pain, which may otherwise become chronic. By extending the availability of tele-physiotherapy beyond 30 September 2020, we can improve the health of the population generally and, in particular, better serve remote or otherwise isolated people.
Additional keywords: primary health care, rural health.
References
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Cottrell MA, Galea OA, O’Leary SP, Hill AJ, Russell TG (2017) Real-time telerehabilitation for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is effective and comparable to standard practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation 31, 625–638
Duckett S (2020) What should primary care look like after the COVID-19 pandemic? Australian Journal of Primary Health 26, 207–211.
| What should primary care look like after the COVID-19 pandemic?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32454003PubMed |
Private Healthcare Australia (2020) Australian health funds announce tele-physiotherapy consultations. Available at https://www.privatehealthcareaustralia.org.au/australian-health-funds-announce-tele-physiotherapy-consultations/ [Verified 9 June 2020]
