Physiotherapy & Physical Rehabilitation

Purpose: A number of previous studies revealed that implementation of computer based applications cannot overcome the satisfaction level of patients which obtained from physical communication by the physiotherapist. Most of the patients require face-to-face communication rather than online. The face-to-face communication includes face expressions of physiotherapist, tone of voice, gesture and eye contact. Author has performed case studies to analyze the role of face-toface communication. Method: A potential, proportional comparative study of 50 (25+25) patients has been made to evaluate the effects of both online communication of physiotherapist and direct eye contact has been performed. The setups aligned clinician and computer system with Internet. All the cases recorded through video software whether online or direct communication. Time spent by the physiotherapist for direct contact and online communication has also been recorded. Face expression of patient in every five minutes has also been recorded. Ultimately satisfaction of patients has been collected through a feedback form. Data was collected and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and chi-square test of independence. Result: Chi-square test for independence revealed no significant correlation between Computer based online communication and time of patient face-to-face contact time between the groups (p=0.999). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in the number of five minute glances between the groups. (p=0.005). Conclusion: Online communications can play a role in increasing number of patients however patients with direct communication were more satisfied. These findings may be relevant at the time of designing a clinical outcome.