Insights on Telemedicine Use by Physiatrists Before, During, and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposeTo determine if physiatrists increased their use of telemedicine during the first 11 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and if changes are expected to persist post-pandemic. And to identify key tasks which require video for telemedicine. Materials and MethodsA survey containing questions about the telemedicine tools used before, during, and after (planned) the COVID-19 pandemic was distributed to physiatrists. Analysis was conducted to evaluate the change in usage of telemedicine due to the pandemic and predict whether the pandemic will lead to a durable change in usage. Tasks which physiatrists have/believe they can complete with different modes of interaction were explored. ResultsResponses from 56 physiatrists showed a 105% increase in video-based telemedicine use during the pandemic. The use of phone and video communications for care delivery significantly increased. 79% of respondents planned to use video-based telemedicine post-pandemic, a significant increase from pre-pandemic use. Motor assessments, cognitive assessments, stretching, strength building, and orthotics assessment and prescription were identified as key tasks that require video for telemedicine. ConclusionThis study confirms increased use of telemedicine by physiatrists during the pandemic and suggests this shift will be durable. Key tasks where video is necessary for telemedicine were identified.