The Health Economic Impact of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Delivered by Telehealth: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Darryn Marks Bond University, School of Physiotherapy, Gold Coast, Australia; Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8884-8596
  • Sarah Kitcher Bond University, School of Physiotherapy, Gold Coast, Australia
  • Elodie Attrazic
  • Wayne Hing Bond University, School of Physiotherapy, Gold Coast, Australia
  • Michelle Cottrell Physiotherapy Department, Royal Women’s and Brisbane Hospital, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2022.6524

Keywords:

Cost, Efficiency, Musculoskeletal, Physiotherapy, Telerehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: While the efficacy of telehealth in musculoskeletal physiotherapy has been supported, its cost effectiveness has not been established. Therefore, the objective of this review was to ascertain the health economic impact of outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy delivered by telehealth and describe methodology utilized to date. Methods: Electronic searching of PubMed, CINHAL, PEDro, and Web of Science databases was undertaken alongside handsearching for publications comprising: population: adults with musculoskeletal disorders managed in any type of outpatient ambulatory setting; intervention: physiotherapy delivered by telehealth comparison: traditional in-person physiotherapy; and, outcomes: economic analyses reporting costs and consequences. Appraisal was undertaken with the Downs and Black Questionnaire and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards Checklist. Results: Eleven studies of mixed methodological quality were included. Most were conducted in the public sector, from the economic perspective of the health service funder. Telehealth consistently produced health outcomes akin to in-person care. In all but one, telehealth was less costly, with savings achieved by reducing in-person consultations and travel costs. Conclusion: Telehealth is as effective and cheaper than in-person physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders in public hospital outpatients. Further health economic research is needed to clarify the economic impact of telehealth upon non-government providers of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

  

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Published

2022-12-13

How to Cite

Marks, D., Kitcher, S., Attrazic, E., Hing, W., & Cottrell, M. (2022). The Health Economic Impact of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Delivered by Telehealth: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2022.6524

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2022)

Section

Systematic Review of Research

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Copyright (c) 2022 Darryn Marks, Sarah Kitcher, Elodie Attrazic, Wayne Hing, Michelle Cottrell

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