Development and Evaluation of a Training Package to support the Remote Assessment and Management of People with Movement Impairment and Disability

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Many people experience physical disabilities throughout their life, requiring advice and management from clinicians such as physiotherapists. Usually a hands-on detailed movement assessment is taken to help formulate a plan to deal with each individual's needs. For most this face-to-face approach has not been possible during the Covid crisis, and this is likely to continue for some time with social distancing, particularly in older people and those with health issues. In response to the crisis clinicians have found new ways of working. They have used telephone & web-based consultations (known as telerehabilitation) to help people continue to rehabilitate at home. This approach, however, has many challenges when assessing people with movement disabilities, such as those experienced by people recovering from Covid-19, with long term neurological conditions, arthritis or diabetes. For example there are risks associated with assessing balance and mobility in frail older persons at risk of falls. Yet this information is essential to create a plan to ensure recovery occurs as quickly and fully as possible. Unfortunately relevant guidance and training for NHS/Social care staff about this is extremely limited, relying mainly on experience gained on the job. No specific guidance is in place to ensure telerehabilitation is delivered effectively and equitably for people with physical disabilities. We will work closely with NHS/Social care staff to quickly develop an assessment toolkit and training to provide them with practical guidance to increase their skills and confidence. This is important now & for the future.