Patient Satisfaction with Telerehabilitation Assessments for Wheeled Mobility and Seating

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wheeled mobility and seating assessments for individuals with mobility impairments living in rural or distant locations are problematic due to the lack of expertise and available resources. The objective of this study was to measure satisfaction based on one's evaluation and prescription as well as comfort level when being evaluated by telerehabilitation (TR). Patient satisfaction data from real-time interactive TR clinical consultations between an expert practitioner located at least 125 miles away and four remote wheelchair clinics set up by the research team were collected and evaluated. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between participants' pre- and postevaluation scores, t(39) = −13.92, p < .05, as well as pre- and postprescription scores, t(39) = −13.15, p < .05. In addition, all mean scores were significantly higher than the scale midpoint of 3.5 on a TR survey. The study's findings are consistent with those of previous telemedicine satisfaction studies. Overall, the results indicate a high level of patient satisfaction using TR.