Development of a Teletechnology Protocol for In-Home Rehabilitation
By Hoenig, Helen, MD; Sanford, Jon A., MArch; Butterfield, Tina, OTR; Griffiths, Patricia C., PhD; Richardson, Peg, OTR/L; Hargraves, Katina, BS; Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 287-298Publication Date: March/April 2006
Article focuses on the use of teletechnology for delivering in-home rehabilitation services to community-dwelling adults who were recently prescribed a mobility aid. Standard telephone lines were used to provide two-way video and audio interventions for 14 participants, which included prescription of and training in functionally based exercises, home-hazard assessment, assistive technology, environmental modifications, and adaptive strategies. The participants were evaluated in three transfer and three mobility tasks, while appropriate treatment was provided over the course of four visits. A total of 13 of the 14 subjects enrolled in the rehabilitation study had completed all four visits at the time the article was written. Equipment-related problems were common early in the study, particularly on the initial visit to a subject's house. The greatest number of problems was identified for tub transfers; the greatest number of recommendations was made for toilet transfers; and the most frequently implemented recommendations were for transitions between locations. The authors contend that both the telerehabilitation technology and intervention procedures showed promise through the course of the study. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by:
VA Rehabilitation Research & Development Service (Web Site: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov )
Link to text: http://www.vard.org/jour/06/43/2/hoenig.html
