Remote patient care has rapidly gained importance in physiatry, prompting discussions on its effective and efficient integration into clinical practice, both in the short and long term. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) recognizes the burgeoning role of telehealth and technology in medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). To address both immediate needs and future opportunities, the Academy convened a Telehealth Innovation Workgroup in 2020, setting in motion a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing patient and provider experiences through technology.
The Telehealth Innovation Workgroup had many key achievements, including a robust interview series featuring member leaders who are pioneering efforts in telehealth, a partnership with the American Medical Association (AMA) through its Future of Health Immersion Program producing PM&R-specific webinars, and a comprehensive white paper titled “Telehealth in PM&R: Past, Present and Future in Clinical Practice and Opportunities for Translational Research.” This publication, published in the PM&R Journal in 2023, underscores the evolving landscape of telehealth, which extends beyond traditional virtual visits, and has prompted exploration of innovative approaches such as hospital-at-home programs, remote therapeutic monitoring, and the integration of artificial intelligence.
As the final project of the workgroup, the Academy was tasked with organizing a Technology Summit that took place on December 6, 2024, at the Academy’s headquarters in Rosemont, IL. This Summit, co-chaired by Drs. Thiru Annaswamy and Robert Rinaldi, brought together experts from AAPM&R and industry to collaborate on identifying digital solutions and consumer tools that address physiatry-facing clinical and administrative burden barriers and present technology solutions and new opportunities for musculoskeletal care and rehabilitation at home. The summit considered three areas of priority for physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) in the emerging world of technology enhanced care: hospital-at-home and the potential applications for rehabilitation at home, virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) care, and the use of augmented intelligence (AI).
The Summit culminated in recommendations for actions the Academy can take to solidify physiatry’s role in advancing rehabilitation at home and promoting the adoption of technological solutions for patient care. Some of the expected deliverables include a white paper and new project initiatives that could span various areas, including member education, advocacy, and new business collaborations. Through these initiatives, the Academy is committed to enhancing the integration of technology in PM&R, ultimately improving care for patients and streamlining processes for our members. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, the Academy remains at the forefront, ensuring that its members are equipped to navigate and thrive in this new era of rehabilitation medicine that is enhanced by technology.