Telerehabilitation in Low-Resource Settings: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cali, Colombia

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Advances in Rehabilitation Science and Practice has shed light on the feasibility and effectiveness of telerehabilitation in low-resource settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Valle in Cali, Colombia, analyzed the outcomes of telerehabilitation services provided to patients with various conditions between January 2020 and December 2021. The study revealed significant gaps in telerehabilitation services, particularly in areas such as mental health, cardiovascular diseases, and ophthalmology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person healthcare and accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in low- and middle-income countries.
  • The study describes the population, service delivery, and therapeutic outcomes of telerehabilitation in Cali, Colombia, during the pandemic.
  • The researchers identified factors influencing the feasibility of telerehabilitation in low-resource settings, such as access to technology, internet connectivity, and trained personnel.
  • Telerehabilitation services were provided to patients with various conditions, including mental health, neurological, chronic, post-traumatic, and unspecified diagnoses.
  • The study found a significant drop in dropout rates among patients who received telerehabilitation services compared to those who did not.
  • The researchers highlighted the need for broader implementation and integration of telerehabilitation services across specialties to address gaps in service delivery.
  • The study's findings have implications for the development of telerehabilitation services in low-resource settings and highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide and access to healthcare.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from 2 rehabilitation centers in Cali, Colombia, with a total of 1,500 patients receiving telerehabilitation services between January 2020 and December 2021.
  • The patients were equipped with smart devices and smartphones to facilitate remote consultations, which accounted for an average of 30% of the total consultations.
  • The study found a significant reduction in dropout rates among patients who received telerehabilitation services, with a 25% decrease compared to those who did not.
  • The researchers reported a 25% increase in patient satisfaction with telerehabilitation services compared to in-person consultations.
  • The study highlighted the need for further research to address the limitations of telerehabilitation services in low-resource settings, including access to technology, internet connectivity, and trained personnel.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at University of Valle Release New Data on Telerehabilitation (Telemedicine Challenges in Latin-America: Outcomes from Telerehabilitation Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cali, Colombia-A Retrospective Cohort Study). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 202.
  • Rodriguez Velez, L. M., et al. (2025). Telemedicine Challenges in Latin-America: Outcomes from Telerehabilitation Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cali, Colombia-A Retrospective Cohort Study. Advances in Rehabilitation Science and Practice, 14, 27536351251375637.