Interconnected screens displaying telehealth scenarios, symbolizing accessible and innovative healthcare.

Telerehabilitation: Bridging Gaps and Transforming Healthcare

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the latest advancements in telerehabilitation and how it's shaping the future of healthcare, improving access, and enhancing patient outcomes."

The International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) highlights the transformative potential of telerehabilitation, showcasing original research that explores its feasibility across various applications. This approach addresses diverse needs, from wellness programs for caregivers to interventions for children with hearing loss, and from school-based telepractice for at-risk youth to occupational therapy home visits facilitated by mHealth. It also includes crucial discussions of privacy and security, particularly in multi-user health kiosks.

IJT recognizes and values diversity, emphasizing its commitment to international contributions and respect for dialectal and terminological differences within and between professions. Whether the terms telerehabilitation, telepractice, telehealth, or mHealth are used, the journal acknowledges the nuances and professional preferences that guide these choices. This inclusive approach fosters collaboration and enriches the scholarly discourse.

The IJT is actively moving away from 'face-to-face' to describe in-person interactions within the same physical site. Preferring 'in-person' instead, because videoconferencing allows people to interact face-to-face remotely. Recognizing this distinction clarifies communication and acknowledges the evolving landscape of telehealth terminology.

Expanding Access and Tailoring Telerehabilitation Solutions

Interconnected screens displaying telehealth scenarios, symbolizing accessible and innovative healthcare.

Telerehabilitation's strength lies in its adaptability. Current research demonstrates its successful application across diverse scenarios:

Caregiver Wellness: Telerehabilitation programs are providing essential support and resources to caregivers, improving their well-being and ability to provide care.
Hearing Loss Interventions: Tailored programs are enhancing phonological awareness in children with hearing loss, fostering language development and academic success.
At-Risk Youth Support: Telepractice in schools is reaching at-risk youth, offering them crucial services and interventions to promote positive outcomes.
mHealth for Acute Care: Occupational therapy home visits using mHealth technologies ease the transition from hospital to home, supporting patients' recovery and independence.
Primary School Interventions: Speech and language interventions delivered via telerehabilitation are benefiting primary school-aged children, addressing communication challenges early on.
Global Perspectives: Commentary on telerehabilitation in Pakistan provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing telehealth solutions in different global contexts.

These diverse applications highlight the versatility of telerehabilitation in meeting specific needs, promoting inclusivity and access to healthcare services for all populations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Telerehabilitation

The International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) is seeking new submissions that will detail the status of telerehabilitation. The IJT remains at the forefront of research and innovation in telerehabilitation and publishes in Fall 2017.

The IJT peer reviewers are a multi-disciplinary group, and include researchers and clinicians from each of the major rehabilitation disciplines, rehabilitation engineers, health information managers, information technologists, and others. New peer-reviewers are welcome as well as guest editors with ideas for special, thematically focused issues.

Telerehabilitation is not just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in healthcare delivery. By embracing technology and innovative approaches, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of location or circumstance. The ongoing research and collaborative efforts highlighted in the IJT are paving the way for a more accessible, equitable, and effective healthcare future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1001/archpsyc.57.1.83, Alternate LINK

Title: Editor'S Note

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Archives of General Psychiatry

Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)

Authors: Jack D. Barchas, Peter M. Marzuk

Published: 2000-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is telerehabilitation and why is it important?

Telerehabilitation is the use of telecommunication technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. This includes various forms of interventions, such as those for caregiver wellness, hearing loss, at-risk youth support, occupational therapy, and speech and language interventions. It is significant because it broadens access to healthcare, especially for those in remote areas or with mobility issues. The implications are that patients can receive timely care without the constraints of location, enhancing their overall well-being and recovery.

What is the role and significance of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT)?

The International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) is a platform that publishes research and insights on telerehabilitation. Its importance lies in advancing the field by sharing innovative research, applications, and addressing crucial aspects like privacy and security. It highlights the evolution of telerehabilitation, fostering collaboration among professionals and researchers, and shaping the future of healthcare delivery. The IJT's impact is far-reaching, influencing the development of new methodologies, the refinement of existing practices, and the promotion of best practices in the field.

What is mHealth, and what are its implications in telerehabilitation?

mHealth refers to the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to support healthcare practices, and in the context of telerehabilitation, it's employed in occupational therapy home visits. Its significance lies in its ability to provide remote monitoring, support, and interventions, especially in assisting patients transition from hospital to home settings. The implication is that it allows for more personalized and continuous care, enhancing patient independence and improving outcomes. Moreover, mHealth can facilitate a more seamless integration of healthcare services into patients' daily lives.

What is Telepractice and what is its significance?

Telepractice, as mentioned in the context, is the use of technology to deliver services, such as those for at-risk youth support in school settings. Its importance stems from its ability to reach specific populations who may face barriers to traditional healthcare access. The implications are increased support and intervention for these youth, which can lead to better academic performance and overall well-being. Telepractice's impact ensures that crucial services are accessible, promoting inclusivity and positive outcomes.

Why is the change from 'face-to-face' to 'in-person' interactions in telerehabilitation important?

The shift from 'face-to-face' to 'in-person' interactions is a change within the context to more accurately describe physical interactions. This change acknowledges the increasing role of videoconferencing in healthcare. The significance lies in clarifying communication and recognizing the evolving terminology in telehealth. The implications of this shift include more precise communication, avoiding confusion, and fostering a better understanding of the methods used in telerehabilitation. It reflects the dynamic nature of the field and adapts to the advancements in telehealth.