Valuable Lessons Learnt From a Global Tele-Rehabilitation Partnership Program During COVID-19.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the experiences of stakeholders—including Canadian occupational and physical therapy students, parents of children with disabilities, Indian rehabilitation workers, and North American supervisors—participating in a novel global tele-rehabilitation program developed by Amar Seva Sangam in partnership with five Canadian universities. The program facilitates online fieldwork for Canadian students in rural Tamil Nadu, India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A mixed methods design was employed to gather comprehensive insights into stakeholder experiences. Quantitative data were collected through surveys assessing perceptions of service delivery and educational outcomes, while qualitative data were gathered through interviews and focus groups to explore the depth of participant experiences and cross-cultural interactions. Results: The findings indicated that the majority of participants believed the tele-rehabilitation program effectively provided necessary rehabilitation services to children with disabilities, with service quality comparable to traditional on-site fieldwork. Additionally, student stakeholders reported significant capacity building through cross-cultural learning opportunities, enhancing their understanding of global rehabilitation practices. Conclusions: The global tele-rehabilitation program not only maintained essential rehabilitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic but also fostered meaningful learning experiences for Canadian students. These insights underline the potential of tele-rehabilitation as a sustainable model for delivering rehabilitation education and services in underserved regions, promoting collaboration and understanding between diverse cultural contexts.