Physiotherapists’ perception of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital health interventions: a scoping review

Abstract Background Digital health interventions (DHIs) hold significant potential to enhance physiotherapy by improving patient engagement, enabling remote care, and optimizing treatment outcomes. Despite their benefits, the slow pace of implementation indicates barriers to the adoption of DHIs. Together with the limited research on physiotherapists’ perspectives, this highlights the need to address barriers and facilitators to their integration. Understanding these factors is crucial for advancing the effective use of DHIs in physiotherapy practice. Objective This scoping review aimed to identify and map barriers and facilitators to the implementation of DHIs in physiotherapy, as perceived by physiotherapists. Methods The JBI methodological framework and the JBI reviewer’s manual guided the review process. MEDLINE Ovid and Embase Ovid were the primary databases, with BASE used for grey literature; the search process was completed in May 2024. Barriers and facilitators were mapped to the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results The review included 45 publications spanning 2017 to 2024. A total of 334 barrier instances and 134 facilitator instances were identified across all five CFIR domains. Key factors affecting the implementation of DHIs in physiotherapy were highlighted, including the need for adaptable, well-designed, and compliant interventions, as well as supportive reimbursement systems and adequate funding. In addition, successful DHI integration in clinical practice is influenced by reliable technology, technical training, institutional investment, and an open attitude toward technology. Conclusion The findings indicate that successful DHI integration within physiotherapy services may require coordinated action across organizational, workforce, and policy domains. Health system strategies that address infrastructure capacity, digital competencies, and reimbursement models appear critical to translating digital innovation into routine service delivery, though further research examining objective implementation outcomes is warranted. Registration OSF ( https://osf.io/abhxr )