Telerehabilitation Services in India: an Integrated SWOT and AHP Analysis

Abstract

Background: Telerehabilitation involves delivering rehabilitation services to patients utilizing information and communication technologies. The objective of this research was to analyze and prioritize strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) for the technology associated with the rehabilitation of patients.
Methods: The study's first phase involved enlisting factors relevant to telerehabilitation in India, followed by a Delphi study with a panel of experts to reach a consensus for SWOT analysis. Then, a pairwise comparison among various SWOT factors was made using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). Finally, consistency Ratio (CR) values were calculated.
Results: Sixty significant factors relative to the telerehabilitation sector in India were identified from a review of existing literature and presented to experts. After four rounds of Delphi, thirteen strengths, eleven weaknesses, four opportunities, and five threats were selected. CR values in the present study were less than 0.10 for all SWOT subgroups indicating that the pairwise comparisons done by the decision-makers were fairly consistent.
Conclusion: Delphi technique helped in identifying various SWOT factors associated with telerehab which were assigned a rank by the Strategic analysis technique. The highest priority strength lies in an online consultation on an urgent basis followed by cost-effectiveness, time-saving and reduced hospitalization. The telerehabilitation model weakens when direct contact for therapy, reliable internet access is required. Funding and grant opportunities to expand tel rehab in India and provide standard expert care for vulnerable populations are viewed as future scope. Threats identified were lack of direct supervision and cybersecurity. Understanding and addressing these factors can help in the successful implementation of telerehabilitation in India.