Abstract
The use of web-based portals, while increasing in popularity in the fields of medicine and research, are rarely reported on in community-based rehabilitation programs. A program within the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Hiram G. Andrews Center, the Cognitive Skills Enhancement Program (CSEP), sought to enhance organization of program and participant information and communication between part- and full-time employees, supervisors and consultants. A telerehabilitation system was developed consisting of (1) a web-based portal to support a variety of clinical activities, and (2) the Versatile Integrated System for Telerehabilitation (VISYTER) video-conferencing system to support the collaboration and delivery of rehabilitation services remotely. This descriptive evaluation examines the usability of the telerehabilitation system incorporating both the portal and VISYTER. Telerehabilitation system users include CSEP staff members from three geographical locations and employed by two institutions. The IBM After-Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), and two demographic surveys were administered to gather both objective and subjective information. Results showed generally high levels of usability. Users commented that the telerehabilitation system improved communication, increased access to information, improved speed of completing tasks, and had an appealing interface. Areas where users would like to see improvements, including ease of accessing/editing documents and searching for information, are discussed.
Highlights
Telerehabilitation (TR) has been defined as the delivery of rehabilitation services via information and telecommunication technologies (Brennan et al, 2010)
A telerehabilitation system was developed consisting of (1) a web-based portal to support a variety of clinical activities, and (2) the Versatile Integrated System for Telerehabilitation (VISYTER) video-conferencing system to support the collaboration and delivery of rehabilitation services remotely
This paper evaluates the usability of the system, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and determines areas for improvement
Summary
Telerehabilitation (TR) has been defined as the delivery of rehabilitation services via information and telecommunication technologies (i.e., assessment, monitoring, intervention, supervision, education, consultation, and counseling) (Brennan et al, 2010). The nature of the rehabilitation services determines the necessary telecommunication technology and informatics infrastructures. Community-based rehabilitation typically needs continuous monitoring of clients’ goals and progress, as well as effective and confidential ways of communicating this information to a team of professionals (Parmanto & Saptono, 2008). Clients with disabilities generally prefer this type of rehabilitation, and research has identified valuable evidence for the unique benefits for service providers to use TR in a client’s natural environment in order to maximize functioning (McCue, Fairman, & Pramuka, 2010; McCue, Schutte, & Sporner, 2011). Many communitybased programs would benefit from accessing the clinical knowledge of experts who are not full-time staff members due to distance or budgetary concerns
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