Digital client work among rehabilitation professionals in Finland: Practices in 2025

Abstract Background Finnish strategy for digitalisation and information management in healthcare and social welfare supports the implementation of digital services in client work. The adoption of digital client work has increased in healthcare. However, little is known about its implementation among rehabilitation professionals (ca. 10000) in Finland. This study examines the extent and frequency of digital client work among physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs). Methods The online survey was distributed in March-April 2025 to rehabilitation professionals whose email addresses were accessible through eight associations for rehabilitation professionals. Response was voluntary. The cross-sectional data restricted to PTs (n = 182) and OTs (n = 133) of the total responses (N = 432). Descriptive statistics were used to examine the type (video reception, real-time digital communication, non-real-time digital communication, digital services without direct client contact), and frequencies of digital services. Results Up to 50% of PTs and 63% of OTs has engaged in digital services within the past six months. Only 13% of PTs and 8% of OTs utilize digital services daily or weekly, while the majority use them less frequently (PTs 87 %, OTs 92 %). The most used digital service was non-real-time digital communication, with 27% of PTs and 21% of OTs using it (χ², p = 0.387), and the less used digital service was digital services without direct client contact (8 % of PTs and 1 % of OTs, χ², p = 0.038). Conclusions Although digital services in client work are utilised in rehabilitation, engagement remains infrequent among PTs and OTs in Finland. The findings highlight variations in digital service use, with asynchronous communication being the most used method. It is important to monitor the implementation of the national strategy by surveys. Further research is warranted to explore the barriers of digitalisation and optimise digital service implementation in rehabilitation. Key messages • In rehabilitation digital client work by physiotherapists and occupational therapists is in its early stage in Finland. • To help professionals adopt digital services in client work, it's essential to consider their expertise in identifying which clients would benefit most from digital services.