Table 3.

Technology options for patients at different levels of technology readiness and with different clinical presentations.

Hypothetical patienta	Clinical condition drawn from clinical experience	Likely choice of technology
The patient owns an iPad and has Wi-Fi access. The patient uses email and FaceTime but does not have a mobile phone, is nearly blind, and has very limited hearing. They are technologically dependent on family members to set up apps or maintain technology.	Frail, difficulties with balance when standing and walking, regular falls	Although this patient could participate in a FaceTime call, the camera angle would be difficult and setting up any new technology would be difficult; hence, a friend or family member with a smartphone would be the best option.
The patient regularly uses a laptop computer, Skype, and Facebook Portal TV (via smart TV), which they use to stay in contact with family. They also use a tablet and laptop computer and although they have and use a smartphone, they tend to use the larger “fixed” technologies. The patient lives in an isolated location and would not want to involve a family member or friend in the consultation.	Pain and stiffness in shoulder	Using technology the patient is used to, Facebook Portal TV (the clinician does not need to see the patient’s feet) would work well. The next option might be the wide-angle webcam, which would fit their laptop. Pivo as a third option would be possible but would take more time to set up.
Same person as above but with a different clinical condition.	Knee and ankle pain and stiffness; independent walking with mild unsteadiness	A wide-angle webcam would be the first choice, as the clinician needs to see the patient’s feet. Pivo would be the second option.
The patient has a smartphone, laptop computer, Facebook Portal TV, tablet, and Wi-Fi access, but sometimes struggles with technology. They live with a partner who is a technology enthusiast. They would be willing for their partner to help with the consultation.	Neck pain with poor posture	The first choice is the partner using a smartphone, as no setup or delivery of equipment is required. If the partner was not available, the patient would probably opt for a wide-angle webcam with a simple USB connection.
Same person as above but with a different clinical condition. Although a household Facebook TV portal is available, the patient struggles to use it.	Pelvic girdle pain	The patient may prefer not to share this consultation with their partner, but the partner would be able to set up the Facebook TV portal before leaving the room. If the partner is not available, a wide-angle webcam is the easiest “plug and play” option.
The patient is a “digital native” smartphone user living in accommodations with relatively limited space.	Gait problems as a result of multiple sclerosis	Pivo would be the first option, as the patient does not have a device for the easy plug and play option of a wide-angle webcam. A simple mobile stand might be a second option.

^aThe technology use of the hypothetical patients is based on that of family members of the therapists.