Database of Health Workforce Innovations

Canadians have access to physiotherapy services, both intake assessments and subsequent treatments, via
telemedicine, telerehabilitation, or virtual delivery modes. This would enable continued access/prevent service
interruption for those who are situated in rural and remote settings, as well as for those in quarantine or where
social distancing measures have been enacted or recommended.
Tele-rehabilitation relates to all aspects of patient care including the patient interview, physical assessment
and diagnosis, treatment, maintenance activities, consultation, education, and training. It can include the use
of media such as videoconferencing, email, apps, web-based communication, and wearable technology.
Physiotherapist assistants may or may not be present with the patient.
Tele-rehabilitation is an alternate mode of service delivery of traditional rehabilitation services and as such,
the practice of tele-rehabilitation does not remove or alter any existing responsibilities for the provider.
Providers must adhere to all existing practice requirements, including the scope of practice of the profession,
the standards of professional practice, the code of ethics, as well as any provincial and federal laws that guide
practice.
Physiotherapists assessing or treating patients residing in another jurisdiction must be registered to practice
in that jurisdiction.