Rapid Development and Implementation of Telerehabilitation at Shirley Ryan Abilitylab

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To collaborate with departments across SRAlab to rapidly implement telerehabilitation and continue to provide high-quality therapy. To provide the blueprint for telerehabilitation implementation across all levels of care at SRAlab. To respond to patient feedback to operationally improve telerehabilitation. <h3>Design</h3> Mixed methods before and after series. <h3>Setting</h3> Hospital-based outpatient therapy. <h3>Participants</h3> Patients participating virtually in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy in multiple Outpatient Orthopedic/Neurological, Day Rehabilitation, and Pain Management Clinic sites. <h3>Interventions</h3> In March 2020, outpatient therapy at Shirley Ryan Abilitylab (SRAlab) responded to the suddenly decreased demand for in-person visits due to the rapidly evolving and unclear public health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therapists from the orthopedic outpatient clinic identified an impending gap in care, so a team of Telerehabilitation Champions formed to pursue options for providing safe and effective therapy virtually. Telerehabilitation was created and offered to patients. Obtain patient feedback to operationally improve telerehabilitation services in the form of a patient satisfaction survey. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Patient Satisfaction Survey related to patient experience with telerehabilitation. <h3>Results</h3> Telerehabilitation Patient Satisfaction Survey: now IRB approved study. Pilot data from over 200 participants reveals the below, among other data points that will be discussed: 92% rated the care as good/very good. 70% likely to continue with Telerehabilitation visits after COVID-19 pandemic. Patient reported benefits of Telerehabilitation: No travel, Patient chosen location, Improved attendance and exercise compliance, Decreased time away from home. Patient reported opportunities to improve Telerehabilitation: More space available in patient location to participate, Better video connection, Better audio connection, Caregiver to help patient during the session. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Telerehabilitation is a safe, effective method for participation in therapy. It successfully allowed patients to receive care during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telerehabilitation will have a place in therapy beyond the pandemic. SRAlab will use the Telerehabilitation Patient Satisfaction Survey to continuously improve the Telerehabilitation experience and is committed to contributing to the research for establishing best practice guidelines. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.