Comparative study demonstrates improved care continuity and exercise adherence in rural patients, suggesting telepresence robots bridge critical healthcare access gaps.
Rural rehabilitation patients often face barriers to continuous care, including travel distances, limited specialist availability, transportation constraints, and reduced follow-up after discharge. This study evaluated whether telepresence robots could improve continuity of care and adherence during home-based rehabilitation. Rural patients completed rehabilitation under either standard remote follow-up or telepresence robot-supported care with socially assistive coaching. In the robot-supported condition, clinicians conducted remote sessions to observe movement, provide feedback, and adjust rehabilitation plans within the home. Between visits, the robot delivered exercise reminders, guided routines, adherence check-ins, and encouragement. Outcomes included follow-up consistency, missed or delayed contacts, perceived connection to the care team, and completion of exercises. Robot-supported rehabilitation improved continuity and adherence, increased exercise completion, reduced gaps between care interactions, and helped clinicians tailor coaching to the home context. Benefits depended on personalized timing, coaching style, privacy controls, and patient autonomy. Overall, telepresence robots may help bridge rural rehabilitation gaps.
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Abdus Samad (2026) studied this question.
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