TEleRehabilitation Nepal (TERN) for People With Spinal Cord Injury and Acquired Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study

Rehabilitation Process and Outcome, 2022 · DOI: 10.1177/11795727221126070 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Telehealth & Digital Health Brain Injury

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of telerehabilitation, providing remote healthcare services, for individuals in Nepal with spinal cord injury (SCI) or acquired brain injury (ABI). It investigates if this approach is feasible and acceptable in a setting where access to specialist rehabilitation is limited. The study connected patients discharged from a rehabilitation center with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) via video conference. This allowed for remote assessments and tailored interventions, aiming to improve functional independence, mental health, and overall quality of life. The results indicated that telerehabilitation is a promising approach, with participants showing improvements in functional independence, reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, and enhanced quality of life. Participants also valued the regular contact and input from healthcare professionals, avoiding the difficulties of travelling long distances.

Study Duration

18 Months

Participants

97 participants with SCI (n = 82) or ABI (n = 15)

Evidence Level

Prospective cohort feasibility study

Key Findings

1
Telerehabilitation is feasible and acceptable for individuals with SCI or ABI in Nepal, a low- and middle-income country with limited access to specialist rehabilitation services.
2
The telerehabilitation program led to significant improvements in functional independence, psychological well-being (depression, anxiety, stress), and quality of life for participants.
3
Qualitative interviews revealed that participants valued the regular contact and input from MDT professionals through telerehabilitation, as well as the avoidance of expensive and lengthy travel to access care.

Research Summary

This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of telerehabilitation for individuals with SCI or ABI in Nepal, where access to specialist rehabilitation services is limited. The telerehabilitation program connected patients with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) via video conference, enabling remote assessments and tailored interventions. The study found that telerehabilitation is a feasible and acceptable approach, leading to improvements in functional independence, psychological well-being, and quality of life among participants. Participants valued the regular contact with healthcare professionals and the avoidance of costly and difficult travel. The authors conclude that telerehabilitation shows promise for enhancing the delivery of rehabilitation care in Nepal and recommend future research to explore its applicability to other long-term conditions and to identify the specific mechanisms driving improved patient outcomes.

Practical Implications

Improved Access to Care

Telerehabilitation can overcome geographical barriers and resource limitations, providing access to specialist rehabilitation services for individuals in remote or underserved areas.

Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Telerehabilitation can lead to improvements in functional independence, psychological well-being, and quality of life for individuals with SCI or ABI.

Cost-Effective Healthcare Delivery

Telerehabilitation can reduce the costs associated with travel and facility-based care, making rehabilitation services more affordable and accessible.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of long-term follow-up to assess the lasting impact of telerehabilitation.
2
Reliance on self-reported outcome measures, which may introduce response bias.
3
Small sample size, making it difficult to present differential effects depending on the nature of injury (ABI vs SCI).

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury