Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To understand, through the study of telerehabilitation introduction, whether telerehabilitation in physical therapy ('masso-kinésithérapie') represents a lasting change in professional practices in France. METHODS: A triangulation of different qualitative methodologies was used, including eight semi-structured interviews, an observation of a telerehabilitation session and a participant and retrospective observation. A specific interview guide was developed for the interviews and another specific guide was developed for the telerehabilitation session observation to analyse this session. All semi-structured interviews were transcribed, and an in-depth thematic analysis based on grounded theory was performed. RESULTS: Three key themes emerged from our analysis. Firstly, physiotherapists quickly adopted telerehabilitation due to the widespread use of digital technologies and perceived clinical benefits. Secondly, they adapted their care delivery methods, transitioning from in-person to digital formats, and engaged in self-learning and peer support. These changes led to modifications in workspaces and communication practices, fostering closer relationships between physiotherapists and patients. Lastly, the implementation of telerehabilitation faces challenges, including technical difficulties, the lack of physical contact, and an unfavourable implementation context. CONCLUSION: Our results provide key elements to focus on for telerehabilitation implementation in physical therapy and professions for which professional practice is strongly associated with hands-on interventions.