Quality Appraisal of Telerehabilitation Guidelines: A Systematic Review Publisher

Summary: Are remote rehabilitation guidelines reliable? A review rated only one of seven guidelines high quality, revealing gaps in methods. #Telerehabilitation #ClinicalGuidelines

Salahshoori F ; Jangi M ; Sadeghi Demneh E ; Fatehi F ; Rahimi A
Source: International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Telerehabilitation is an expanding domain of telehealth offering remote rehabilitation services. The quality of clinical guidelines, despite significant growth, is highly inconsistent, which may affect the quality of care and policy execution. We endeavored to systematically assess the quality of general telerehabilitation guidelines using the AGREE II instrument. Methods: A systematic search of six databases and grey literature identified 2575 records. After screening and eligibility assessment, seven guidelines were appraised independently by two reviewers using the AGREE II tool, covering six quality domains. Results: Only the American Physical Therapy Association′s 2024 guideline was rated high quality across all domains. Three guidelines were rated medium quality and recommended with modifications. The remaining three were deemed low quality due to weak methodological rigor and limited stakeholder involvement. Conclusion: The quality of telerehabilitation guidelines differs significantly, and high-quality, evidence-based, and inclusive guidelines are essential for promoting secure, efficient, and telerehabilitation practices globally. Copyright © 2026 Faridokht Salahshoori et al. International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.