Physical therapists’ use of telehealth in older adults within the home health setting: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this scoping review is to summarize the available information on types of telehealth services provided to older adults when physical therapy is involved in their delivery of care. Methods of clinical assessment and outcomes will also be identified. Introduction: Information on telerehabilitation interventions for older adults is lacking, yet older individuals can greatly benefit from person-centered care within a home setting. Hence, it is important to synthesize the literature pertaining to telehealth and physical therapy to identify gaps and key implications. Inclusion criteria: This review will consider studies that include adults who are 65 years of age or older, who receive telehealth services within their home, and have a physical therapist involved. Quantitative, qualitative, and gray literature will be included in this review. There will be no language limits. Methods: A 3-step search strategy will be followed, in line with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Databases to be searched will include JBI Evidence Synthesis, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PRIMO, PubMed Central, PsycINFO (Ovid), LWW Nursing/Medical Journals (Ovid), and OpenGrey. Data will be extracted by 2 independent reviewers. The results will be synthesized, charted, and mapped and the findings will be presented in a peer-reviewed journal. Review registration: Open Science Framework https://osf.io/9kyus/