Veteran and Provider Satisfaction with a Home-Based Telerehabilitation Assessment for Wheelchair Seating and Mobility

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2020.6341

Keywords:

Satisfaction, Service delivery, Telerehabilitation, Wheeled mobility

Abstract

The objective of this project was to measure Veteran and provider satisfaction with a home-based telerehabilitation assessment for wheelchair seating and mobility. Forty-three Veterans were seen remotely at their place of residence by a provider, using a VA Video Connect synchronous videoconferencing system. Veteran and provider satisfaction were collected using the Telerehabilitation Questionnaire (TRQ). Mean individual TRQ scores for both Veterans and providers were significantly higher than the scale midpoint of 3.5. Veterans had higher scores than providers for five individual items on the TRQ. Higher scores by Veterans on the technology and quality and clarity of the video and audio likely correspond to the differences in environmental settings in which the visit occurred for the Veteran compared with the provider. High satisfaction scores with the telerehabilitation assessments are likely attributed to the positive working relationship between the provider and the rehabilitation technician, who provided in-person technical support to the Veteran in the home during the wheeled mobility evaluation. Overall, the results indicate a high level of Veteran and provider satisfaction using telerehabilitation for wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations.

  

Author Biographies

Richard M. Schein, University of Pittsburgh

Richard M. Schein is a Research Health Scientist within the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Technology, a Masters of Public Health in Health Policy and Healthcare Management, and Doctorate of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science all at the University of Pittsburgh. Schein interacts with various levels within or outside the University including Principal Investigators and collaborators, Directors, and Department Heads serving as an investigator and manager in the conduct of research projects, solving problems, coordinating projects & budgets, and day-to-day operations.

Andi Saptono, University of Pittsburgh

Andi Saptono is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Information Management at the University of Pittsburgh. He has extensive experience in developing and supporting telehealth technologies, as well as implementing various telehealth services at national and international field. His work includes platform to deliver telehealth services; learning health system platform for healthcare and rehabilitation; and personal health record application for mobile technology. He has strong technical qualifications with track record of more than 15 years of hands-on experience in information technology system development, and project and product management, with extensive knowledge in designing innovative, cost-effective solutions for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare and rehabilitation service, and conducting usability studies through the use of formal user-centric approach. His current research interests are Telehealth, Assistive Technology outcome, and m-Health.

Brad E Dicianno, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Dicianno is the Medical Director of the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology, Director of the UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic, Medical Director and COO of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, and Medical Director of the VA Center of Excellence on Wheelchairs and Associated Rehabilitation Engineering. His clinical interests are in the areas of spina bifida and assistive technology. His research interests focus on developing and studying interventions targeted to improving health and wellness in individuals with complex disabilities (such as wheelchairs, mobile health, and preventative care programs).

Mark R. Schmeler, University of Pittsburgh

Mark Schmeler is the Vice Chair for Education & Training and an Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. He oversees all aspects of the Master of Science curriculum in Rehabilitation Technology. Schmeler has 30 years of clinical experience and continues to practice as an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Professional in the Center for Assistive Technology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center which he helped establish in 1996. His research interests include the application of telerehabilitation, product development, functional outcomes, and online education.

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Published

2020-12-08

How to Cite

Ott, K. K., Schein, R. M., Saptono, A., Dicianno, B. E., & Schmeler, M. R. (2020). Veteran and Provider Satisfaction with a Home-Based Telerehabilitation Assessment for Wheelchair Seating and Mobility. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 12(2), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2020.6341

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2020)

Section

Original Research

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