Influence de la crise sanitaire COVID-19 sur la perception de la télérééducation dans la population des kinésithérapeutes français, une étude qualitative

BACKGROUND: Tele-care is an opportunity to develop support for complex patients; it can also be used in the event of a health crisis such as Covid19. OBJECTIVE: The research question was the acceptability of these devices among physiotherapists and to evaluate if the Covid-19 crisis had an influence on this acceptability. METHODS: An item grid based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 was formalized to conduct semi-structured interviews and analyze social network discussions. The methodological principle of saturation was used for sampling as well as counting of occurrences to assemble data tables. This method thus allows for an exhaustive collection of psychosocial brakes and levers without quantifying them. RESULTS: A series of pre-Covid and post-containment interviews were carried out. Another post-containment series was added to have a representative base of those who experience the devices. A Facebook post that led to a wide debate on the subject was further analyzed. DISCUSSION: The profession presents two different and opposing cultures. The first is based on the need to touch as a fundamental basis, the second is more open to possible advantages on the patient's side as well as on the professional side, with predominance of active techniques. Experimentation during the health crisis has had little effect on acceptability but a small fraction sees it as an opportunity. Many questions relating to technical, legal and financial issues are linked. CONCLUSION: Part of the profession remains fiercely opposed to remote care. The impact of COVID-19 on acceptability has remained marginal. The state of digital networks, the complexity of interfaces, legal issues and remuneration conditions are also mentioned as major obstacles. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.