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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.
Peel et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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