First Nations Peoples' perspectives on telehealth physiotherapy: a qualitative study focused on the therapeutic relationship

• DOI: 10.22605/rrh9022
• Publication Date: 2024-11-13T04:36:12Z
• Authors: Petry Moecke; Holyk; Maddocks; Campbell; Ho; Camp
• Keywords: Telehealth

Introduction: Relationships are the core of Indigenous Peoples' spiritual and cultural identities, therapeutic relationships an integral part physical rehabilitation process, directly influencing health outcomes. However, participating in can be difficult for First Nations Peoples, particularly virtual landscape. There is limited understanding perspectives on this issue, crucial to developing culturally safe effective telehealth physiotherapy programs. Therefore, purpose study explore Peoples from British Columbia, Canada, physiotherapy, with emphasis relationship. Methods: A narrative qualitative that utilized one-on-one, semistructured interviews was conducted 19 adults remote rural communities north-central Canada. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, analyzed using inductive approach reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged data 'Therapist's attitude rapport' captures participants' perceptions what matters most how physiotherapists relate carry out their work. 'Remote nature care' encompasses main challenges care visits, these perceived impact establishing maintaining solid relationships. 'Fostering appropriate physiotherapy' focuses needed advance a manner respects reflects cultures, equipping all involved parties provide comprehensive sensitive services. Our findings advocate hybrid model combines in-person visits address communication barriers absence interaction. Bridging digital literacy gap through training collaboration local support staff (as it bridge possible literary therapists), incorporation elements holds promise enhancing engagement effectiveness services communities. Conclusion: The pursuit equitable demands not only increased access but also thoughtful, safe, trauma-informed, holistic approach. This must tailored unique needs emphasizing integration community support. combining recommended logistical enhance relationship, ensuring both respectful values practices.