Provision of rehabilitation and assistive technology services in a low resource setting during the COVID-19 pandemic and introduction of telehealth: service users’ and providers’ perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic created a challenge for providing assistive technology (AT) and rehabilitation services, with many service providers implementing telehealth service provision for the first time. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of people accessing and providing AT and rehabilitation services during the pandemic and to assess the implementation of telehealth service delivery at an assistive technology and rehabilitation centre in India. A mixed-methods design, combining analysis of clinical data and semi-structured interviews, was utilised. A descriptive analysis of demographics and clinical characteristics of service users accessing services through telehealth, or in-person mode was completed. In addition, service users were interviewed to explore their experiences of accessing services during the pandemic. Service providers were also interviewed to gather their opinions on telehealth service delivery during the pandemic. Findings showed that telehealth was an alternative tool in the pandemic for continuing to deliver services in a low resource setting. However, not all types of services could be successfully delivered via telehealth. There are barriers to the delivery of telehealth services that need to be considered and addressed to allow successful implementation, and it is important to consider that telehealth consultations are not suitable for all service users.