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Online educational resources and digital platforms

Online educational resources and websites

The internet offers a wealth of patient education resources, yet not all are reliable or evidence-based. Physiotherapists must guide patients toward high-quality resources that are:

  • Current: Information aligns with recent clinical guidelines and research.
  • Evidence-based: Content is supported by reputable research and healthcare organisations.
  • Relevant: Materials are tailored to patient-specific needs and patient demographics.
  • Clear and accessible: Written in plain language with visual aids to aid understanding.

Clinical pearl: Review digital tools and online resources

Always review digital tools or online resources thoroughly before recommending them to ensure that they are consistent with best practice guidelines, align with your in-person education and match patient literacy levels.

Digital platforms

Digital platforms offer diverse multimedia educational resources, including:

  • Patient portals: Secure platforms providing personalised exercise programs and educational content.
  • Telehealth platforms: Enable virtual consultations for real-time guidance and education.
  • Multimedia learning: Interactive content, such as instructional videos and quizzes, enhances engagement.
  • Community platforms: Forums allow patients to share experiences and access peer support.
  • Mobile apps: Facilitate convenient education, progress tracking, and integration with wearable devices.

Implementing digital platforms and mobile apps in physiotherapy

For digital platforms to be effective in physiotherapy education, we must ensure they are:

  • User-friendly: Interfaces should be intuitive and accessible for patients of all technological skill levels
  • Device compatible: Many patients prefer accessing information through smartphones or tablets.
  • Secure and compliant: Platforms must comply with privacy regulations, such as HIPAA or GDPR, to ensure patient confidentiality.
  • Interactive and engaging: Incorporating gamification, quizzes, and progress tracking can enhance engagement and motivation.

Case study: Integrating a Digital Platform (mobile app) for patient education

A 65-year-old patient recovering from knee replacement surgery struggles to remember exercise routines and lacks confidence in performing them correctly at home. His physiotherapist introduces him to the Physitrack app and helps install it on his device, where he can watch guided video exercises, receive daily reminders, and log his progress. The app also allows his physiotherapist to track his adherence and make necessary adjustments remotely. Initially, the patient was sceptical about using a mobile app, but after guided instruction, he became more comfortable. Over three months, his adherence to the prescribed exercises improved from 50% to nearly 90%, leading to enhanced mobility, reduced pain, and greater confidence in self-managing his rehabilitation. Additionally, the physiotherapist used Physitrack’s video conferencing feature for virtual follow-ups, ensuring ongoing support without requiring frequent clinic visits.

Watch What is Physitrack? (YouTube, 41s).

Challenges and considerations with digital platforms

While digital platforms offer significant benefits, challenges must be considered.

  • Digital literacy: Some patients, particularly older adults, may require assistance in navigating online platforms.
  • Internet access and connectivity: Not all patients have reliable access to high-speed internet, which can limit the effectiveness of online resources.
  • Over-reliance on technology: Digital tools should supplement rather than replace face-to-face interaction, ensuring a balance between technology and personalised care.

By carefully selecting and implementing digital platforms as an adjunct to patient education, we can enhance the engagement and outcomes of our education approaches and optimise treatment outcomes.

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Patient Education Essentials for Physiotherapy Copyright © 2025 by The University of Queensland is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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