SCiPad: Effective Implementation of Telemedicine Using iPads with Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries, a Case Series

Frontiers in Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00058 · Published: May 29, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) must often travel long distances to see a rehabilitation specialist. Telemedicine (TM) can help bring care to these patients in their homes. This study explores the use of iPads for real-time video telecommunication to provide specialized care for persons with SCI, manage secondary complications, and improve quality of life (QoL). The SCiPad TM program was created in an effort to provide more health-care opportunities with an SCI specialist and explore the feasibility of using iPads to deliver this care.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

10 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants reported positive experiences with the program, with 100% of program completers stating they would recommend the program and would like to continue having TM.
2
The study demonstrated the clinical viability of TM using iPads for individuals with SCI, allowing them to discuss medical issues with an SCI specialist without cumbersome travel.
3
The use of iPads facilitates communication within the home rather than requiring travel to a satellite center and provides a user-friendly interface.

Research Summary

This study investigated the feasibility of using iPads for telemedicine (TM) with individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to address medical needs, manage secondary complications, and improve their quality of life. Ten participants with SCI used iPads for TM over 6 months. The program included consultations with SCI-trained healthcare providers via FaceTime to address various SCI-related conditions. The program satisfaction survey yielded positive results with participants reporting satisfaction with the program, ease of use of the iPad, and a desire to continue using TM.

Practical Implications

Improved Access to Care

Telemedicine using iPads can improve access to specialized care for individuals with SCI, especially those in rural areas.

Enhanced Patient Management

Tablet devices like iPads can be effective patient management tools for individuals with SCI, facilitating communication and care coordination.

Potential for Policy Change

Demonstrating the effectiveness of TM can provide an evidence-base to change health-care policy to allow for financial support and reimbursement for TM.

Study Limitations

1
Small population size
2
Official records of medical care sought outside of the study institution were not available
3
Findings are descriptive and non-conclusive

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