THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORKS IN ENHANCING PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Community supported networks for physiotherapy rehabilitation as an integral component, important interaction, emotional support and shared experience for patients in physiotherapy. Against this background, the goal of this scoping review is to examine recently reported evidence on the effectiveness of support networks in communities in regard to the improvement of outcomes in physiotherapy.

Objective: The review aims to integrate findings from recent studies regarding community support networks during physiotherapy rehabilitation. Potential benefits, challenges, and best practice will be noted.

Methods: Peer-reviewed articles from 2020 to 2024 in several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were accessed to search the literature. Only those studies were considered for this review if they addressed the role of community support networks in physiotherapy rehabilitation for adult patients, documenting the outcomes related to adherence, patient satisfaction, and improvement in functionality.

Results: The major themes emerging include:

1. Increased Adherence, 2. Increased Patient Satisfaction, 3. Improved Function, 4. Challenges and
2. Best Practices.

Conclusion: The physiotherapy rehabilitation will be boosted through community support networks, including social connections, emotional support, and compliance to a treatment plan. All the above challenges need to be addressed, and avenues on how to implement innovative strategies on optimal implementation of the above networks should be ascertained.