The post-COVID-19 private practice will look considerably different for many clinics, and technology will have an evolving role in the practice of the future. This month, Stephen King joins the APA in presenting a webinar on how to embrace the technological changes for a better client outcome. 

When Stephen King and his business partner Andrew Lemon opened their suburban Melbourne physiotherapy practice in 2016, a key foundation of the clinic’s operation was the uptake of technology.

PT GONIOMETER

Developer: Mark Busman

Where to get it: Apple app store

Price: Free

The PT Goniometer app helps physiotherapists digitally measure the range of motion of their patients’ movements over a given period, utilising the iPhone or iPad camera.

Recently we have seen an emerging number of studies that support virtual physiotherapy; for example, an NPJ Digital Medicine study published in January suggested health apps add value to patient care while used in clinical workflows.

However, there is a limited amount of evidence supporting a small number of apps for defined clinical scenarios, despite a high adoption rate with consumers.

PHYSIOPEDIA

Developer: Physiopedia Plus Limited Where to get it: GooglePlay store or Apple app store

Price: Free or US$0.99 monthly subscription for the premium version

The Physiopedia app claims to be the ultimate reference tool for physiotherapists.

It is apparent that healthcare peak bodies (both medical and allied health) and government policymakers have embraced rapid reform during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the digital transformation of Australia’s healthcare system to reduce the relative risk of infection.

When COVID-19 forced millions of Australia into lockdown, a national team of physiotherapists, concerned about the impact this would have on the health and wellbeing of older people, initiated and fast tracked the development and launch of a website that offers guidance on how older people can stay active while in isolation.

COVID-19 has presented significant challenges and opportunities for physiotherapists, practices and entrepreneurs operating in our industry.

Undoubtedly, there are businesses that are thriving during this pandemic, while others are struggling to make ends meet, and some have closed down completely.