COVID-19: A catalyst for change in virtual health care utilization for persons with limb loss.

ABSTRACT

The dramatic uptake of virtual care, or telehealth, utilization because of COVID-19 restrictions for persons with limb loss has led to a much greater understanding of this health care delivery method for this complex patient population. However, much is still unknown. Therefore, the authors provide a comprehensive literature review of existing evidence for virtual care delivery across the phases of amputation rehabilitation, as well as anecdotal evidence, to provide a platform for further discussion and development of research and innovative opportunities. Evidence reveals that virtual care serves as a complement to in-person health care for individuals with limb loss because it allows for increased accessibility to these services. The authors conclude that continued use of telehealth beyond the COVID-19 restrictions to optimize outcomes across the continuum of care for persons with limb loss is warranted.