Exploring physiotherapists’ experiences and perceptions about the factors influencing the delivery of care via videoconferencing. A qualitative description design.
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Introduction: The delivery of care via videoconferencing (VC) allows physiotherapists (PTs) to connect with patients at a distance. VC requires an entirely hands-off approach, which does not align with physiotherapy’s ‘hands-on’ identity. A hands-off approach requires a change in practice and a change in clinician behaviour. Previous studies have utilised behaviour change theory to explore PTs’ delivery of care via VC, but there is no account of the unique Manitoban contextual or jurisdictional factors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore PTs’ experiences and perceptions about the factors influencing the delivery of care via VC to the Manitoban population. Method: A qualitative description design allowed for an exploration of the lived experiences of Manitoban PTs delivering care via VC. Purposive and snowball sampling resulted in a diverse sample of 20 participants. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted between June and August, 2023. Directed content analysis (DCA) was used to analyse the interview data, using the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour) change model. Results: The majority of factors influencing PTs’ delivery of care via VC were categorised in the opportunity components of COM-B and included the internet and technology; patient conditions; and patient expectations. Many PTs gained VC experience during COVID-19, which facilitated clinicians’ psychological capability. Participants described a need for ‘adaptive expertise’. PTs’ motivation to deliver care via VC was limited, predominantly due to the elimination of hands-on care. Conversely, the lack of physical contact was described as a facilitator for PTs who experienced their own physical disabilities or ill health, which limited or prohibited the delivery of care in person. Conclusion: A multitude of factors impeded PTs’ ability to deliver equitable care via VC. Although the knowledge-to-practice gap has narrowed, it has not closed. A lack of motivation remains a barrier for PTs delivering care via VC. Participants envisioned a hybrid future: a combination of care of delivered via VC and in-person. The barriers and facilitators identified in this study have created a valuable foundation from which to develop targeted solutions to enable PTs to deliver care via VC.