Mr Sooraj Venugopalan1
1Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Sooraj Venugopalan is an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist with extensive experience in spinal care and telehealth innovation. Leading the development of physiotherapy-led spinal telehealth services in South Australian correctional facilities, Sooraj has enhanced access to specialized care for incarcerated individuals. Committed to evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration, Sooraj has integrated research into clinical care while driving service improvements. With expertise in telehealth implementation, patient education, and system-wide quality initiatives, Sooraj is dedicated to advancing physiotherapy’s role in correctional healthcare, ensuring equitable, high-quality spinal care in complex and underserved environments.
Abstract:
Background:
Since the turn of the century, the prison population has grown, with over half experiencing chronic conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders. Off-site care is costly and compounded by inconvenience and stigma. Musculoskeletal telehealth enhances access, reduces costs, and improves healthcare quality for incarcerated persons. A coordinated service between the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Spinal Assessment Clinic and the South Australian Prison Health Service commenced in October 2016, utilizing South Australia's Health Digital Telehealth Network.
Purpose:
To explore and understand the impact and perspectives of telehealth consultations led by Advanced practice physiotherapists providing surgical triage for spinal disorders within prisons.
Methods:
A qualitative descriptive methodology, employing semi-structured interviews, was utilised. Following verbatim transcriptions, data were thematically analysed.
Results:
Seven nurses from varied professional levels participated in the study. The main themes identified were: 1) On-site staff’s involvement in telehealth; 2) Positive impacts from physiotherapy-led spinal telehealth; 3) Perspectives regarding the use of telehealth approach; 4) Suggested improvements. Telehealth led by advanced practice physiotherapists had positive impacts on clients, clinicians, and the system. Despite technical challenges, it reduced anxiety and stigma, prevented condition exacerbation, empowered incarcerated persons, and optimized resources. Collaboration with nurses ensured seamless service delivery while also enhancing their knowledge about musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Discussion:
The physiotherapy-led spinal telehealth service in prisons was well-received with numerous benefits across different levels. By promoting timely access to, and with collaborative multidisciplinary practice, Physiotherapy-Led spinal telehealth services enhanced patient outcomes, reduce the need for transfers, and support efficient, high-quality care within the prison healthcare system.