This study examined the extent therapist practices and nursing homes adopted telehealth services for physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language pathology (SLP); explored the major challenges and facilitators in adopting telerehabilitation services, and whether these services were effective in addressing patient care and staffing needs during the public health emergency (PHE). We use quantitative data from Medicare administrative data to examine trends in the number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving telerehabilitation services in relation to in-person therapy before and during the initial years of the PHE. To better understand implementation of telerehabilitation during the PHE, including facilitators and challenges, we conducted in-depth interviews with several telerehabilitation experts.
This research was conducted under contract between HHS/ASPE’s Office of Telehealth & Virtual Service Delivery, ASPE Behavioral Health page, ASPE COVID-19 page, and ASPE Long-Term Services & Supports/Long-Term Care page.
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