Are the goals of the virtual exercise classes for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions being met? A service evaluation

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift to virtual physiotherapy services in the UK, aiming for cost-effective and safe rehabilitation. This evaluation focused on the efficiency of virtual classes for managing non-urgent lower limb conditions amidst the gradual return of face-to-face (F2F) classes. As pandemic guidelines evolved, F2F exercise classes were re-integrated along with virtual exercise classes. At this time, virtual classes were thought to be essential to maintain patient treatment, but the service has not been evaluated concerning efficiency and (potential barriers affecting) patient uptake, also in light of the diverse community St. Mary’s Hospital - Imperial College serves.

Methods: Forty-nine patient records were reviewed, assessing attendance, discharge rates, and outcomes. Virtual classes demonstrated good patient adherence (77%) and facilitated patient discharge (61%), reducing clinician time. However, missing data limited the assessment's comprehensiveness, notably regarding safety, barriers affecting class uptake, adverse events, and primary outcome measures like the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ; 98% missing).

Results: The findings support the efficacy of virtual classes but highlight the need for more rigorous data collection and documentation standards to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Key recommendations include improving clinician documentation, tracking patient-specific benefits, and conducting audits for clinical oversight. These actions are crucial for maintaining physiotherapy standards and enhancing the effectiveness of virtual exercise classes.

Conclusion: Virtual classes demonstrate potential for managing lower limb conditions, showing good adherence and facilitating patient discharge. However, missing data underscores the importance of robust data collection and documentation. Future evaluations should focus on improving documentation standards and conducting audits for clinical oversight, essential for maintaining physiotherapy standards and optimising virtual exercise class outcomes.