An evaluation framework for a rural home-based telerehabilitation network.
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Date
2005-10-20
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Abstract
This study was a needs assessment to inform the design and evaluation of a home based telerehabilitation network for rural elderly patients We conducted a literature review of telerehabilitation studies and a needs assessment by interviewing 43 professionals including homecare nursing staff members of volunteer organizations and service agencies social workers discharge planners researchers and rehabilitation therapists The survey addressed perceived needs advantages and disadvantages with the use of telemedicine technologies for rehabilitation services All respondents agreed that there are unmet needs among elderly people who are discharged from hospital settings and identified several problems including medication noncompliance isolation limited access to specialists and community based services Our findings defined a framework for the development of a client oriented rural telehealth network that will be used to guide patients discharged to homecare following stroke through a complex array of health mental health and social services spanning all levels of care