Nancye M Peel1, Trevor G Russell, Leonard C Gray. 1. Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Level 2 Building 33, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba QLD 4102 Australia. n.peel@uq.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This pilot study trialled an in-home videoconferencing system to determine the feasibility of delivering rehabilitation services remotely to aged clients. METHODS: Patients approved for community-based transition care were prospectively recruited to trial the eHAB™ video-conferencing system. Staff completed patient logs to record reasons for patient exclusion/inclusion. A staff satisfaction survey recorded qualitative feedback on the operation of eHAB™. RESULTS: Of 44 patients admitted to transition care, 34 (77%) were considered unsuitable for telerehabilitation, due mainly to hearing and/or vision impairment, client/carer anxiety, lack of space in the home, and cognitive impairment. Three proceeded with set-up and use of eHAB™. Staff reported that telerehabilitation was particularly challenging because of the complexity of cases, with many requiring "hands-on" therapy. CONCLUSION: To implement telerehabilitation more widely in older people there are barriers to be overcome relating to patient limitations, staff issues and the logistics of the system.
OBJECTIVE: This pilot study trialled an in-home videoconferencing system to determine the feasibility of delivering rehabilitation services remotely to aged clients. METHODS:Patients approved for community-based transition care were prospectively recruited to trial the eHAB™ video-conferencing system. Staff completed patient logs to record reasons for patient exclusion/inclusion. A staff satisfaction survey recorded qualitative feedback on the operation of eHAB™. RESULTS: Of 44 patients admitted to transition care, 34 (77%) were considered unsuitable for telerehabilitation, due mainly to hearing and/or vision impairment, client/carer anxiety, lack of space in the home, and cognitive impairment. Three proceeded with set-up and use of eHAB™. Staff reported that telerehabilitation was particularly challenging because of the complexity of cases, with many requiring "hands-on" therapy. CONCLUSION: To implement telerehabilitation more widely in older people there are barriers to be overcome relating to patient limitations, staff issues and the logistics of the system.
Authors: Jennifer A Mallow; Trisha Petitte; Georgia Narsavage; Emily Barnes; Elliott Theeke; Brian K Mallow; Laurie A Theeke Journal: Ehealth Telecommun Syst Netw Date: 2016-06