Telerehabilitation: Is it right for me?

During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a rapid change in the way health services are delivered, including stroke rehabilitation. Now we need to take what we have learnt over the last 18 months to improve health care and rehabilitation. One change has been an increase in physio via telerehabilitation for stroke survivors. There can be challenges doing physiotherapy via telerehabilitation, especially if you have moderate levels of physical disability (for example, if you need assistance with walking). However, there can be many benefits of telerehabilitation, such as minimising travel. So how do you decide if it is right for you?

We worked with a group of stroke survivors, care givers, clinicians and researchers to develop resources to help you make decisions about whether telerehabilitation can be included in your rehabilitation plan. While these resources were developed specifically for people with moderate to severe levels of physical disability, they may be useful for many other people.

Some of the key points are:

1. Telerehabilitation and ‘in-person’ therapy may give you the best of both worlds! There are times when telerehabilitation may be the only option (for example, if you live in a remote area with limited access to rehabilitation, or if ‘in-person’ therapy is restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic). However, most people agreed it is best to receive a combination of ‘in-person’ rehabilitation and telerehabilitation, especially for people who have moderate levels of physical disability. Everyone agreed there are benefits with telerehabilitation.

2. You, your carer and your therapist must all be comfortable with your telerehabilitation program. Decisions made about telerehabilitation must be shared decisions, made by everyone involved. This means everyone must understand:

• your goals
• how your therapist can help
• what may be involved
• what you need to do
• what assistance your carer needs to provide
• what assistance your carer is capable of providing
• what equipment you may need
• what costs may be involved
• how to manage any risks
• how to manage any problems or challenges that arise
• how often the program will be reviewed and updated.

3. Start a discussion with your therapist early. You may think it is too early to start thinking about telerehabilitation. However, if you think you may be interested in doing some of your rehabilitation via telehealth later, start the discussion now!

We know making these decisions can be difficult. We have created some resources for stroke survivors and carers and clinicians. For more information go to:

Creating a telerehabilitation plan with stroke survivors and caregivers

Information for stroke survivors and caregivers.

Other information about rehabilitation via telehealth

https://informme.org.au/News/2020/03/26/COVID-19-Telehealth-resources

Cathy Said - Associate Professor Physiotherapy Western Health and University of Melbourne, Program Director AIMSS

Erin Bicknell - Gd 4 Clinician Lead Physiotherapist, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Keven English - Stroke Survivor

Gary McKay - Stroke Survivor

This project was funded by The Melbourne Disability Institute.