Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan K(1), Fan SHU(1), Tse YW(1, 2), Kwan CY(1), Chan PS(1), Au KMB(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Tai Po Hospital (2)Occupational Therapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Introduction :
GDH of TPH service was suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic in July of 2020. All stroke patients could not come and attend face to face training. To minimize the impact of service suspension on them, Occupational Therapy (OT) Department initiated tele-rehabilitation service to them. During the period of service suspension, 48 stroke patients benefited from this new service.
Objectives :
This is a pilot retrospective study to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of OT tele-rehabilitation service for stroke patients in GDH of TPH
Methodology :
Tele-rehabilitation service was delivered to stroke patients or their caregivers via phone calls, WhatsApp or Wechat, HA Go Apps and video calls. OT interventions included home training programme through HA Go prescription (upper limb, ADL and cognitive training), caregiver education, prescription of assistive device and gadgets as well as home safety screening and advice. Patient’s progress was monitored regularly by HA Go Apps and phone calls. Caregiver education and caregiver skill training were provided through phone and video calls. Home safety screening and use of assistive device including hemiplegic shoulder sling and splintage could also be reviewed.
Result & Outcome :
Altogether 48 stroke patients received OT tele-rehabilitation service during the service suspension period. One of them dropped out due to re-stroke. 256 tele sessions were provided with an average of 5.4 tele sessions for each stroke patient. When our GDH reopened on 21 October 2020, 28 stroke patients were arranged to come back for reassessment. 18 and 10 of them were male and female patients respectively. Their average age was 61.8 years old with range from 39 to 87. A Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test indicated that there was significant differences between their Pre-MBI scores (at the time of GDH service suspension in July 2020) and Post-MBI
Scores (at the time of GDH service resumption in October 2020) (Z=-4.374, p< 0.000) as well as in upper limb function scoring as shown in FTHUE (Z= -2.934, p< 0.003). There was also statistically significant differences between the Pre-MoCA and Post-MoCA cognitive assessment scores (Z= -2.000, p< 0.046). Moreover 86% stroke patients were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with our tele-rehabilitation service.
In conclusion, stroke patient would gain therapeutic benefits from tele-rehabilitation in both ADL and upper limb functions as well as cognitive functions. Their caregivers could also get support from therapists to implement home training program for patients. It was safe and no intervention related adverse event had been reported.
