eHealth in Dutch physiotherapy practices: a national survey

Abstract

Background The last two decades the use of technology in healthcare becomes more visible and with this development, the term eHealth was introduced. eHealth can increase compliance, stimulate self-management and improve accessibility. In contrast with Dutch doctors and nurses, little is known about the experiences and opinions of Dutch physiotherapists in primary care regarding eHealth.

Aim The primary objective of this study is to explore the perspective of Dutch physiotherapists in primary care on eHealth and gain insight in the extend in which they use eHealth. Secondary objectives are: determine whether Dutch physiotherapists in primary care experience eHealth as an added value to the healthcare process; what barriers they experience; and which therapist and environmental factors are associated with physiotherapists use of eHealth.

Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed among 3000 Dutch physiotherapists working in primary care in April 2017. Questions were divided in five domains: provider-centric electronic patient records, health information exchange, telehealth, serious gaming and health related support services.

Results The results of 639 respondents were eligible for analysis (response 21,3%). The majority was still looking how they can apply eHealth in their daily practice. All respondents used a provider-centric electronic record for their patient administration. Most respondents could use health information exchange in the communication with general practitioners. For approximately one third of the respondents, serious gaming applications were available in their practice and a minority could use telehealth applications in their practice. Most frequently mentioned barriers were financial barriers or time-related barriers.

Conclusion eHealth is used in primary care physiotherapy, but differs among domains. Most physiotherapists experience or expect added value from eHealth, although a majority is still searching how to embed eHealth in their daily practice. Most mentioned barriers had a financial component or were time-related. Regarding telehealth and serious gaming a frequently mentioned barrier was lack of knowledge and skills.

Clinical Relevance Policy makers should think about ways to finance eHealth applications in physiotherapy. Education could improve knowledge and skills. More research is needed to explore the experiences with eHealth in secondary care and to improve the effectiveness of eHealth applications.