Online Video & Remote Physiotherapy Consultations for Elderly Mobility

As a community physiotherapy service we see a large number of elderly patients who are in the most vulnerable and high risk categories for Corona Virus and as such we have been trying to think of ways in which we can reduce the risk of infection but still help these patients.

To reduce the risk of infection but still be able to offer an assessment and plan of exercises we have decided that we will offer remote online, video consultations and physiotherapy assessments for patients for our elderly patients with reduced mobility.

A remote on line video physiotherapy assessment allows our physiotherapist to take a full history of what has been happening, look through past medical history and conduct via video a physical assessment which should be able to provide information regarding weaknesses, strengths and what is safe to do. They can also safely prescribe the best exercises and prepare a plan of management to get the patient mobilising and stronger. All of this can happen without the risk of infection…

 

How The Online Video Physiotherapy Assessment Works

It is extremely easy to set up the assessment. Simply send us an email with a short description of your request: please include details such as the age of the patient, their current level of mobility and previous level of mobility as these will be really helpful in organising the assessment. We will then get in touch to arrange a convenient time for your assessment. Before the session you will receive an email with instructions detailing how to access the video conferencing software needed for the remote physiotherapy assessment.

The Online Physiotherapy Session

The session will be 1hr in length and will begin with a discussion to find out what it is our physiotherapist can help with, what the symptoms are and what you or your relative would like to achieve. The physiotherapist will then run through a past medical history and any other questions needed that will highlight how the patient has ended up with reduced mobility.

Then a physical assessment will happen during which the physio will ask the patient (which may be you or a relative) to perform a series of tests, exercises and movements to check strength, range of motion and pain etc. These tests and exercises will depend upon current level of mobility and what it is safe to ask someone to do when not actually there in person. So, clearly if the patient is unable to stand at present then the physiotherapist will generally be looking at what they can do in sitting and if with some assistance they can stand.  During this part of the assessment you will need to have your phone, iPad or laptop pointed at yourself or the patient fairly securely so that the physiotherapist can see what you or they are doing.

After this part, the physio will then discuss what they have found or may ask some further questions and ask you to run through a few more tests. After this discussion they will then discuss a plan of management including exercises, dos and don’ts and things that the patient with reduced mobility can do to help themselves. Any exercises needed can be emailed over after the session so that you and the patient have a clear idea of what is needed. Finally the physiotherapist will book in any follow up online video consultations necessary.

 

Is an Online Video Physiotherapy Assessment Suitable for an Elderly Patient with reduced Mobility?

The simplest answer to this question is yes but it is likely that the patient will need help with any exercises given but often these can be done by carers or family that are able to visit. The remote online video physiotherapy assessment is especially helpful for those self-isolating in a high risk category for Corona Virus.

What Equipment Will I Need for The Remote Physiotherapy Assessment?

You really don’t need much for the online video physiotherapy assessment. You simply need an electronic device that has a camera and a screen and that can be pointed easily to where you are. This can be your phone, a tablet or a laptop. If the person involved (this can be you or your relative) can stand then you will need an area such as a living room where they can move around. If you have any pieces of equipment such as a set of weights, stretchy resistance bands or yoga mat that would be brilliant but is not essential.

Will You Be Recording The Remote Video Physiotherapy Assessment?

The simple answer is no. We will be making our usual clinical notes but we will not be recording the video session itself as we do not want to store images of you or any family members without permission.

How Will I be Able To Know What Exercises and Stretches I should Do?

At the end of the remote video physiotherapy assessment our physiotherapist will be able to email you a comprehensive series of exercises and a plan of exercises.

Will I Need More Than One Session?

This is difficult to be certain and will depend upon what it is that we are helping with. However, if you have been given a programme of exercises and advice to follow we will definitely be wanting to check in with you to review progress and make adjustments to your exercises etc.

How Long Will A Follow Up Remote Video Physiotherapy Session Take?

Usually this will be 30minutes but your physiotherapist will advise you on what length of time they consider to be most appropriate. If your case is particularly complex then they may wish to book you in for an hour follow up.

Can I Have A Session In Person After An Online Video Physiotherapy Session?

Yes of course! Once you feel that it would be safe and advisable to have a physical session with one of our physiotherapists then this can easily be arranged.