Tele-rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in India: An Essential but Uphill Task

Cureus, 2023 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38821 · Published: May 10, 2023

Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health Public Health

Simple Explanation

Tele-rehabilitation offers a way to provide rehabilitation services remotely, using technology to connect patients with healthcare professionals. This can be especially helpful for those who cannot easily access traditional hospital-based rehabilitation. In India, where many people with spinal cord injuries face financial and geographical barriers to accessing rehabilitation, tele-rehabilitation presents a promising solution. It can improve access to care and transfer knowledge between patients, doctors and caregivers. While tele-rehabilitation has great potential, there are challenges to overcome in India, including poverty, lack of education, and limited access to technology. Overcoming these barriers will require government support, trained personnel, and a commitment to serving those in need.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Tele-rehabilitation can assist with basic aspects of SCI care, such as patient positioning, pressure injury prevention, nutritional knowledge, and catheter care.
2
Tele-rehabilitation can provide home and lifestyle modification advice, social reintegration tips, vocational rehabilitation advice, and psychological and dietary counseling.
3
Tele-rehabilitation's implementation in India faces challenges due to a lack of proper rehabilitation units, financial constraints preventing access to smartphones and internet, and poor literacy and technological awareness.

Research Summary

Tele-rehabilitation can help to rehabilitate the SCI patients to a satisfactory extent where providing hospital-based rehabilitation is not possible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-rehabilitation showed its true potential already. With rising numbers of SCI patients, tele-rehabilitation facilities should be developed with priority.

Practical Implications

Improved Access to Care

Tele-rehabilitation can extend rehabilitation services to individuals in remote or underserved areas who may not have access to traditional hospital-based programs.

Cost-Effectiveness

By reducing the need for travel and hospital stays, tele-rehabilitation can potentially lower the financial burden on patients and healthcare systems.

Enhanced Patient Education

Tele-rehabilitation platforms can deliver educational resources and support to patients and caregivers, empowering them to manage their condition more effectively.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of rehabilitation facilities at the grass root level.
2
Most of the patient's financial status makes institution-based SCI rehabilitation not feasible.
3
Poverty, lack of education, and lack of technical knowledge of the patients can be a major barrier to its implication.

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