Status and implementation conditions of digitally supported services in medical rehabilitation
Study aim
The COVID-19 pandemic forced rehabilitation centres to adapt their daily care routine and their organisational processes to the corresponding circumstances. In this context, digitally supported services were expanded and further developed. This study aims to systematically take stock of digitally supported rehabilitation services in Germany, including factors hindering or facilitating their implementation.
Methods
The nationwide explorative quantitative online survey explores a so-far understudied topic. Using a self-developed questionnaire based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs, we surveyed the uptake and type of digitally supported rehabilitation services in medical rehabilitation departments, including implementation hindrances and facilitators.
Results
A total of 452 departments participated in the study and about half reported using digitally supported services in medical rehabilitation, with digital training and telerehabilitation aftercare being the most common. The primarily reported implementation hindrances were technology-related work interruptions and cost coverage/reimbursements uncertainties. Managerial support and the usefulness of the digitally supported services were perceived as particularly conducive for the implementation process, as was the staff involvement.
Conclusion
The study provides a first overview of digitally supported services used in medical rehabilitation in Germany, and a better understanding of the factors hindering or facilitating their implementation.
