There is no doubt the pandemic has impacted negatively on physical rehabilitation classes. Social distancing has to be observed while practitioners have to don full PPE (Personal Protective Equipments).
In light of these grim times, many businesses have shifted onto a whole different platform. The internet.
Teleconferencing or telehealth has been around for decades since the 1950s. What makes communicating virtually so essential in these times? This article will break down the pros and cons of virtual sessions vs physical sessions.
Firstly, let us look at the traditional physical sessions.
Cancer patients usually have many appointments to attend. Having appointment fatigue and forgetting about their meetings is a common occurrence.
Getting to appointments takes time. You would have to account for journey time, searching for a parking slot, finding the venue (especially for the first time). An hour session could eat up a quarter of the day.
Many cancer patients live too far away to access a service in urban areas. These caused a barrier to assessable services.
On the positive note,
You can have a change of surroundings, and be immersed in the rehabilitation process. Many Cancer patients find that change of environment refreshing. This change of surrounding helps them be engaged in sessions.
Physically attending sessions can help cancer patients feel more empowered. Many consider it a small win in attending a physical rehabilitation session when they feel physically and psychologically down.
However, there are various reasons why virtual classes are favoured.
It saves time. Virtual sessions cut unnecessary and unproductive travel time. Some individuals drive 45 minutes for an hours' session, contributing to their fatigue and draining their limited energy. Many people reported flexible scheduling outside of the conventional 9-5 time.
Virtual sessions can be conducted at the comfort of your own home. A familiar surrounding means that you are more likely to feel relaxed.
Virtual sessions are not limited by geography. Your qualified therapist or instructor can be on the opposite side of the globe! Moreover, other qualified health professionals are assessable to those that are otherwise limited by geography.
For a cancer patient or survivor, during treatment, your immune system may be compromised. With Covid-19 and having to be present at a place, that would potentially place you at a higher risk. Luckily for technology, having virtual sessions is like having a physical session, minus the risk.
Virtual classes may not be conventional, though it is fast becoming the new normal!
Our Certified Oncology Physiotherapist possess vast experiences in telehealth and conducting online sessions for patients in Malaysia (MY) and the United Kingdom (UK).