Training needs in telerehabilitation: results of a cross-sectional online survey with therapists and patients.

Introduction: In light of the ongoing digital transformation of healthcare, training needs analyses are essential to address the changing requirements of providing and using healthcare services. This applies in particular to the growing field of telerehabilitation. To date, a comprehensive overview of the current training landscape and potential training gaps among telerehabilitation users has been lacking. This national survey therefore aims to assess existing training opportunities and training needs of both telerehabilitation patients and therapists, taking personal and contextual differences into account. Methods: In 2023, two cross-sectional online surveys were deployed, one with telerehabilitation patients and one with telerehabilitation therapists from Germany. Drawing on the Hennessy-Hicks approach as a guiding framework, participants were asked about the relevance and their performance level of predefined telerehabilitation competencies, to determine training needs. Furthermore, data was collected on the telerehabilitation program used, the training offers received and used, and their content. Personal and contextual differences were determined using t-tests and U-tests. Results: The 262 patients and 73 therapists mostly perceived their own performance in the telerehabilitation competencies as rather good. In the past, various training offers were available. Patients were mainly instructed by their therapist or doctor and therapists via written information material in preparation for telerehabilitation. However, both target groups showed small training needs. Patients predominantly required training in self-regulatory skills, such as patience, self-awareness, and motivation, while therapists needed enhanced knowledge related to telerehabilitation and technology. Partly, patients and therapists with a low technology affinity, women as well as patients using app-based telerehabilitation showed significantly higher training needs. Conclusion: The study results can contribute to the development of a telerehabilitation curriculum for therapists and the design of needs-oriented trainings for patients. The implementation of a standardized training practice can support the competent and consistent use of telerehabilitation and contribute to improving the quality of care in the future. Further research is needed to determine which training formats and modalities are effective for the different types of competencies that are lacking.