Evaluating the Impact of a 2-Week Peer Enhanced E-Placement (PEEP) on PreRegistration Physiotherapy Students’ Attitudes, Self-Perceived Confidence, and Competence in Delivering Telerehabilitation

The COVID-19 pandemic instigated rapid digital transformation of physiotherapy practice and education. We explored whether pre-registration specific teaching and practical experience of telerehabilitation may improve student confidence and competence in delivering telerehabilitation and support its clinical acceptance. A 2-week Peer Enhanced E-Placement (PEEP) was developed and evaluated to explore its impact on third year physiotherapy student attitudes, perceived competence, and confidence in delivering telerehabilitation. Students completed a questionnaire (pre and post PEEP), rating perceived confidence and competence in four areas of telerehabilitation: assessment, intervention, communication, and problem solving. Group discussions explored the impact of the PEEP on their attitudes towards telerehabilitation. Fifty-nine students completed the PEEP, 49 (mean age 25±6.6 years, 41% male) completed both the pre and post placement questionnaire. Fifty-five students participated in group discussions. Compared to pre-PEEP, the questionnaire findings demonstrated more students reported being confident and competent post -PEEP (assessment 14.2% vs 83.6%; delivering interventions 44.9% vs 96%; communication 53.1% vs 93.9%; problem solving 38.8% vs 87.8%). Group discussions identified three core themes: Prior experience and assumptions of telerehabilitation, Opportunities and barriers, and Experience of the PEEP. Participation in a 2-week PEEP positively impacted on physiotherapy student confidence and perceived competence in delivering telerehabilitation. Qualitative data suggested improved student attitudes towards telerehabilitation, with increased acceptance and recognition of its clinical value. Further research is required to understand and evaluate the effectiveness of pre-registration telerehabilitation training in preparing students for practice and supporting sustainability of telerehabilitation in the post-COVID era.