Experiences and Perspectives of People with Stroke, Carers, and Physiotherapists Toward Telerehabilitation Implementation Following Stroke in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study.

Background/

Objectives

Recovery of function and mobility after stroke is frequently improved through physical rehabilitation that incorporates multiple therapeutic approaches. However, access to rehabilitation services remains limited globally, particularly for individuals living in rural areas or those with restricted transportation options. These barriers highlight the need to explore technology-enabled approaches to delivering rehabilitation care, including telerehabilitation interventions. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of people with stroke, their carers, and physiotherapists toward the development and implementation of telerehabilitation interventions after stroke in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six people with stroke and their carers and ten physiotherapists between March 2025 and July 2025. Purposive sampling was employed, and reflexive thematic analysis was used.

Results

Three themes were identified. The first theme focused on self-efficacy in the use of telerehabilitation, emphasising the barriers that influence it and what is required to enhance self-efficacy and confidence. The second theme related to motivation to use and engage in telerehabilitation was shaped by various barriers and strategies that promote motivation. The final theme explored cultural aspects and approaches that affect self-efficacy and motivation and support the use and implementation of telerehabilitation interventions in clinical practice.

Conclusions

Telerehabilitation adoption for people with stroke in Saudi Arabia is influenced by self-efficacy and motivation, which are shaped by cultural factors and barriers such as digital inequity, limited awareness, insufficient training, cultural norms, and preference for in-person care. However, with appropriate training, family involvement, culturally sensitive approaches, and hybrid models, telerehabilitation can support continuity of rehabilitation.