Rural Post - Acute Stroke Care using Multidisciplinary Telerehabilitation

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in our country and is the leading cause of long-term adult disability. Comprehensive, coordinated rehabilitation services can reduce mortality and improve functional outcomes following stroke. In rural communities, however, the specialized services and supports needed by patients after stroke are often not available. An innovative alternative to deliver rehabilitation services is telerehabilitation. INTEGRIS Rural Facilities and INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Network collaboratively conducted case studies utilizing physical therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and vocational rehabilitation for stroke survivors in rural communities 70 to 170 miles away from the specialists. Consultations were conducted using H320 video conferencing equipment over dedicated T-1 lines. The telerehabilitation applications, outcomes, service coordination, cost effectiveness, and lessons learned will be discussed.