Authors (including presenting author) :
Yam YWA(1), Cheng KWS(1), Wan KYK(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, MacLehose Medical Rehabilitation Centre
(MMRC)
Introduction :
Due to implementation of emergency response level to COVID-19 in HA hospitals, Neuro-Rehabilitation Day Program in MMRC has been suspended or adjusted since late January 2020. To promote continuous rehabilitation for neurological patients, three online Occupational Therapy groups were established: (A) hemiplegic upper limb gross motor training, (B) hemiplegic upper limb hand function training, and (C) cognitive rehabilitation for attention and memory. For group A and B, coaching on hemiplegic upper limb functions with individualized task practice at home and caregiver empowerment were provided. For group C, education, cognitive component and strategies training were conducted for attention and memory impairment.
Objectives :
(1) To explore the acceptance and feasibility of using tele-rehabilitation for Neurological patients and their care-givers, (2) to assess the impact on promoting active involvement of hemiplegic upper limb via home program for hemiplegic upper limb training groups.
Methodology :
During March to May 2020, 13 patients were recruited in group (A), 6 patients were recruited in group (B) and 12 patients were recruited in group (C). 34 sessions of online training group were conducted. Final evaluation survey was conducted for reviewing participants’ experience of tele-rehabilitation. The online survey evaluated usefulness, reliability, satisfaction and future use of tele-rehabilitation service. Self-reported questionnaire for measuring involvement of hemiplegic upper limb in daily activities was conducted before and after training in group A and B.
Result & Outcome :
16 replies (12 patients, 4 caregivers) were received from final evaluation survey on participants’ experience of tele-rehabilitation. Over 90% agreed that tele-rehabilitation maintained certain level of rehabilitation service and over 70% agreed that tele-rehabilitation met their rehabilitation needs. Over 80% were satisfied with tele-rehabilitation service and more than 50% stated that tele-rehabilitation was an acceptable rehabilitation modality. However, less than 15% agreed that tele-rehabilitation provided same rehabilitation services as in the hospital. For hemiplegic upper limb training groups, 8 patients (4 each from group A and B) reported that their involvement of hemiplegic upper limb in daily tasks was increased from 29.17% (pre-training) to 45.47% (post-training).
These preliminary findings suggested that tele-rehabilitation provided continuous rehabilitation support and was appreciated by patients and caregivers. Despite the lack of face-to-face interaction and hands-on therapy, tele-rehabilitation could add value to supporting home-based rehabilitation program via timely feed-back on patients’ real life performance and enhancing empowerment for caregivers of Neurological patients.
