When it comes to physical and speech-language therapy, how willing are patients to deviate from traditional tools to embrace virtual therapy aids and telehealth? The data from a survey from Constant Therapy Health, makers of mobile therapy app Constant Therapy, reveals that nearly 90 percent of this patient population are interested in using apps as part of their recovery.
The poll, conducted in partnership with Pollfish, surveyed 2,000 people who have experienced physical or speech-language therapy, either through direct, personal treatment or managing the care of a loved one being treated. While most reported using traditional approaches like therapy sessions with a clinician and paper leaflets and booklets for home practice, only about 10 percent had experience using therapy apps.
More than 90 percent of respondents in each group (physical therapy patients and speech-language therapy patients) reported challenges with their course of treatment, ranging from cost to transport to insurance. What’s more: about 60 percent of all respondents experienced disruption of care due to these challenges, such as missed sessions (35 percent), finishing treatment early (over 20 percent) and never having started therapy (6 percent of physical therapy patients, and over 8 percent of speech-language therapy patients).
The vast majority of respondents (96 percent) recognized advantages to using virtual therapy, with time commitment and scheduling (66 percent of physical therapy patients and 57 percent of speech-language therapy patients) and not having to travel (66 percent of physical therapy patients and 59 percent of speech-language patients) being the top draws.
It’s vital that healthcare innovators are creating solutions that make clinically proven care more accessible. Like all patients, those in physical and speech therapy should be focused on their health instead of worrying about how they’ll be able to get the medical support they need to recover. Virtual therapy apps help eliminate several barriers of care by delivering it more directly while driving down costs.
Trust in technology is also not a problem with less than 15 percent of both patient groups reporting it as a concern, further signaling that the future of healthcare is here and patients are more than ready. As tech-based care solutions become more prevalent, it is imperative to clearly demonstrate the value of these innovations to all stakeholders. Authentic and durable solutions distinguish themselves by being patient-centered, data-driven, and value-based.
Can the tablet be bought or is it an app. My son,53 years old, has had a stroke. Memory is impaired. I am looking for memory cards, anything to help with brain stipulations.
Hi Gwenn, Constant Therapy is an app you can download onto your smartphone or tablet and contains over 89 types of exercises, including memory-focused ones. You can find it in the App Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon Apps Store. You can also contact our support team for help at 1-888-233-1399 or support@constanttherapy.com. All the best to you and your son.
Hi is there any way that the cost could be reduced. My husband and I are both retired and on a fixed income. It would be greatly appreciated if that could be a consideration. I have had two brain biopsies with no known diagnosis and a thalamic stroke on the left side. My speech pathologist has been after me for several weeks to consider joining your website, but cost is an issue. Thank you for your time and thought.
Hi Darlene, we are so sorry to hear that you and your husband are struggling. We are very passionate about helping people access Constant Therapy, regardless of their financial situation.