Conducting community rehabilitation review sessions via videoconference: A feasibility study

Objective To determine the feasibility of conducting a single videoconferencing session (telerehabilitation) instead of a face-to-face home visit for a review appointment in a community rehabilitation program. Design A feasibility study based on Bowen's framework was used to determine demand, acceptability, limited efficacy and practicality of telerehabilitation. The study involved qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Setting Two Victorian community rehabilitation programs providing services to large geographical catchment zones in the outer fringe of a metropolitan area. Participants Ten adult clients receiving home-based therapy and 5 allied health clinicians working in the program. Interventions Clients participated in a single review therapy appointment (telerehabilitation) from physiotherapy, dietetics or speech pathology using the health network's videoconferencing platfrom and the client's own electronic device. Main outcome measures Demand was assessed by calculating the percentage of eligible clients able to participate compared to total number of home-based clients. Acceptability, practicality and limited efficacy were explored through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews. Results Nearly one quarter of clients screened met eligibility criteria, indicating a large potential demand for telerehabilitation. Telerehabilitation was highly acceptable for clinicians and clients participating in speech pathology and dietitian sessions as these contain targeted education and talking-based therapy. It was less accepted in physiotherapy, where there is a more hands-on approach. Telerehabilitation was practical and efficient for both clinicians and clients, especially when time was allowed for training and initial troubleshooting. Conclusion Telerehabilitation is a feasible modality for review sessions in community rehabilitation and helps improve efficient use of clinician and client time. It is more appropriate for disciplines that use education and talking-based therapy compared with hands-on therapy. Older clients are accepting of new technology with support and education.