FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A REAL-TIME TELEREHABILITATION INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a telerehabilitation intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of children and young adults with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Thirteen patients and/or their families agreed to participate in the speech and neuropsychological telerehabilitation sessions. The treatment was synchronous, patient centered and aimed at improving specific abilities. Sessions were held twice a week over a 10-week period. Two questionnaires were completed both by parents and therapists to assess feasibility and acceptability. Neither technical issues nor clinical obstacles were found. The quality of the therapeutic relationship played a key role in the intervention. Synchronous telerehabilitation provided several advantages both for patients and therapists. Moreover, the patient centered intervention eased the burden of the caregivers at a time of high stress. The real-time telerehabilitation treatments were deemed suitable for children and young adults with ABI. Further studies are needed to support the use of telerehabilitation as an integral part of their standard care.

Automated summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a telerehabilitation intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable for children and young adults with ABI. Quality of therapeutic relationship played a key role in the effectiveness of the treatment, and patient-centered intervention helped ease caregiver burden. Further studies are needed to support the integration of telerehabilitation into standard care for this population.