Shailendra Kumar Mehta
Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, India
Keynote: Physiother Rehabil
Purpose: A number of previous studies revealed that implementation of computer based applications cannot overcome
the satisfaction level of patients which obtained from physical communication by the physiotherapist. Most of the patients
require face-to-face communication rather than online. The face-to-face communication includes face expressions of
physiotherapist, tone of voice, gesture and eye contact. Author has performed case studies to analyze the role of face-toface
communication.
Method: A potential, proportional comparative study of 50 (25+25) patients has been made to evaluate the effects of both
online communication of physiotherapist and direct eye contact has been performed. The setups aligned clinician and
computer system with Internet. All the cases recorded through video software whether online or direct communication.
Time spent by the physiotherapist for direct contact and online communication has also been recorded. Face expression
of patient in every five minutes has also been recorded. Ultimately satisfaction of patients has been collected through a
feedback form. Data was collected and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and chi-square test of independence.
Result: Chi-square test for independence revealed no significant correlation between Computer based online
communication and time of patient face-to-face contact time between the groups (p=0.999). One-way ANOVA revealed
a significant difference in the number of five minute glances between the groups. (p=0.005).
Conclusion: Online communications can play a role in increasing number of patients however patients with direct
communication were more satisfied. These findings may be relevant at the time of designing a clinical outcome.
Shailendra Kumar Mehta is working as a Principal in the Department of Physiotherapy at JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur, India. He has founded SHECR and Social Welfare Foundation and trained broad horizon of lymphedema management to 1000 physiotherapists and students. He has presented 32 research papers and published 30 articles. He has authored a book entitled “Management of Lymphedema” and developed a new technique for the management of lymphedema. He has been awarded with 15 prestigious awards. He is Editor In Chief of International Journal of Physiotherapy and Cancer Rehabilitation. His areas of specialization are Cancer Rehabilitation, Lymphedema Management, etc.
E-mail: drshailendra.mehta28@gmail.com