Study examines the benefits of virtual stroke rehabilitation programs
Efficacy and cost prove similar to traditional face-to-face management


Date:
September 2, 2020
Source:
University of British Columbia Okanagan campus
Summary:
While virtual medical and rehabilitation appointments seemed novel
when COVID-19 first appeared, they now seem to be part of the new
norm and might be paving the way to the future. A recent review
paper has determined that virtual appointments, in the form of
telerehabilitation, also work for people recovering from a stroke.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== While virtual medical and rehabilitation appointments seemed novel when
COVID- 19 first appeared, they now seem to be part of the new norm and
might be paving the way to the future.


==========================================================================
A recent review paper, co-authored by Brodie Sakakibara with the Centre
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management (CCDPM) has determined
that virtual appointments, in the form of telerehabilitation, also work
for people recovering from a stroke.

After a stroke, a client is provided with a therapy program to help
re-gain loss of skills or motion -- this can range from speech and memory, strength, balance and endurance. While not initially introduced for
disease outbreaks, Sakakibara a UBCO assistant professor says research
shows remote therapy can be effective during stroke recovery.

"Telerehabilitation has been promoted as a more efficient means
of delivering rehabilitation services to stroke patients while also
providing care options to those unable to attend conventional therapy,"
says paper co-author Sakakibara.

"These services can be provided to remote locations through information
and communication technologies and can be accessed by patients in
their homes." To learn how effective telerehabilitation can be,
six different clinical trials -- examining stroke telerehabilitation
programs -- were launched across Canada as part of a Heart and Stroke Foundation initiative. People recovering from a stroke were provided
with interventions ranging from lifestyle coaching to memory, speech
skills and physical-exercise training.

"Researchers from each of the six trials came together to write a review
paper describing their experiences conducting a telerehabilitation study,
and to report on the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of telerehab services within a research context," says Sakakibara.

Going forward with telerehabilitation as a new reality, Sakakibara
says the study authors determined there are important lessons learned
from each of the six trials. Most notably, the efficacy and cost
of telerehabilitation is similar to that of traditional face-to-face management. He also notes patients mostly reported satisfaction with the telerehabilitation when therapists were trained appropriately, and when
there was some social interaction. Overall, clinicians prefer face-to-face interactions but will use telerehabilitation when face-to-face is not
feasible.

And finally, since seniors are a key target group for stroke
rehabilitation - - as stroke is associated with aging -- the technology
needs to be easy to use and suit the needs of the end users.

"The older adult of today, in terms of technology comfort and use,
is different than the older adult of tomorrow," he says. "While there
might be some hesitation of current older adults using technology to
receive health and rehab services, the older adult of tomorrow likely is
very comfortable using technology. This represents a large opportunity
to develop and establish the telehealth/rehabilitation model of care." Sakakibara notes COVID-19 has amplified the necessity for telehealth
and telerehabilitation for many Canadians -- especially those in remote
areas or for the estimated 70 per cent of stroke victims who are no
longer able to drive.

"Prior to the outbreak, telehealth/rehabilitation was highly recommended
in Canadian stroke professional guidelines, but was underused," he
says. "Now in response to COVID-19, the use of telerehabilitation has
been accelerated to the forefront. Once these programs are implemented in practice, it'll be part of the norm, even when the outbreak is over. It
is important that we develop and study telerehabilitation programs to
ensure the programs are effective and benefit the patients."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_British_Columbia_Okanagan_campus. Note: Content may be
edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Sarah Caughlin, Swati Mehta, He'le`ne Corriveau, Janice J. Eng, Gail
Eskes, Dahlia Kairy, Jed Meltzer, Brodie M. Sakakibara, Robert
Teasell.

Implementing Telerehabilitation After Stroke: Lessons Learned
from Canadian Trials. Telemedicine and e-Health, 2020; 26 (6):
710 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2019.0097 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200902115929.htm

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