Tele-physiotherapy in Nigeria: perceived challenges by physiotherapists to its implementation

Abstract

The effectiveness of tele-physiotherapy platforms has been proven in several medical conditions in different parts of the world; however its implementation by physiotherapists in Nigeria is low due to several limiting factors. This study was designed to investigate the perceived challenges by physiotherapists to tele-physiotherapy implementation in Nigeria. Participants were recruited purposively. Data was collected qualitatively through focus group discussion (FGD). Two sessions of the FGD which was made up of six physiotherapists were conducted. Themes were generated using grounded theory analysis and the recorded interview was transcribed and analysed using content thematic analysis. Identified challenges to tele-physiotherapy in Nigeria are inadequate and underdeveloped infrastructures, ethical issues, training of physiotherapists/patients' literacy needs, need for physiotherapists-patients contact during treatment, cultural barriers and financial implication. It was concluded that successful implementation of tele-physiotherapy in Nigeria could be achieved if the identified challenges were addressed.