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Hirth MJ, Hahn J, Jamwal RJ. Exploring the patient experience of telehealth hand therapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Hand Ther 2023; 36:606-615. [PMID: 36127236 PMCID: PMC9259471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Electronic Survey. INTRODUCTION Internationally the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented shift from face-to-face therapy to telehealth services. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This paper explores the patient experience and satisfaction with telehealth hand therapy in a metropolitan setting during a period (March 1 to May 31, 2021) of 'moderate' COVID-19 risk when there was minimal community transmission of COVID-19. METHODS Patients attending telehealth services were invited to participate in an English language online survey at the conclusion of their therapy session via a pop-up invitation. RESULTS During the recruitment period there were 123 survey responses (29% response rate; 98% completion rate). Half of the respondents (n = 78, 53%) reported saving between 10 and 29 minutes of travel time (each way) by attending a telehealth appointment, while 36% (n = 44) saved more than 30 minutes (each way). Almost all respondents (n = 117, 95%) noted telehealth should be used in the future. The main benefit for telehealth was more easily fitting appointments around other commitments, followed by reducing stress and costs surrounding hospital attendance. Most participants (n = 97, 79%) reported no challenges using telehealth. The most cited challenges included the therapist not being able to provide hands on treatment (n = 14, 11%) and for seven respondents getting the technology to work (6%). DISCUSSION The elevated level of participant satisfaction of attending telehealth sessions informs us that this mode of therapy delivery could benefit patients in a post-pandemic environment. CONCLUSIONS Metropolitan funding models prior to the pandemic did not allow for this mode of therapy and hence consideration for an ongoing hybrid funding model of both face-to-face and telehealth should be considered by policy makers, insurance and government funding bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Hirth
- Occupational Therapy Department, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Malvern Hand Therapy, Malvern, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jodie Hahn
- Occupational Therapy Department, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Jamwal
- Occupational Therapy Department, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Bacon R, Hopkins S, Georgousopoulou E, Nahon I, Hilly C, Millar C, Flynn A, Smillie L, Chapman S, Brown N. While allied health students prefer face-to-face clinical placement, telehealth can support competency development: results from a mixed-methods study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1151980. [PMID: 37256090 PMCID: PMC10226666 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1151980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Student clinical placements are a mandatory requirement within most accredited health programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health settings that had traditionally provided placements cancelled their offerings. Telehealth services however, increased and emerged as an alternative placement setting. Aim To compare the learning experiences for allied health students provided by telehealth and face-to-face accredited health placements. Methods Health students, from a university clinic between March to December 2020, delivering both face-to-face and telehealth consultations, were invited to complete a telephone survey with 3 demographic questions; and 10-items comparing their telehealth and face-to-face learning experiences. Pearson's chi-squared/Fisher's exact test was used to examine the association between each item and consultation setting. Qualitative survey data was thematically analysed using a descriptive approach. Results 49 students from 2 universities and 5 disciplines completed the survey. Students rated their face-to-face experiences significantly higher than their telehealth experiences across all items (all p-values <0.01). Across 9 items students reported positive learning experiences in both settings. Students had greater opportunities to work in a multidisciplinary team in a face-to-face setting. Four themes were generated: (1) placements can vary in quality regardless of setting; (2) telehealth can provide valuable learning experiences and support competency development; (3) enablers for telehealth placements and (4) barriers for telehealth placements. Conclusion While telehealth can support student learning and competency development, in this study students preferred face-to-face experiences. To optimise telehealth placements consideration needs to be given to barriers and enablers such as technological issues and university curricula preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bacon
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Sian Hopkins
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Irmina Nahon
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Catherine Hilly
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - CaraJane Millar
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Allyson Flynn
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Linda Smillie
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Sarah Chapman
- Allied Health Clinical Education Unit, Canberra Health Services, Garran, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicholas Brown
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
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Velez M, Lugo-Agudelo LH, Patiño Lugo DF, Glenton C, Posada AM, Mesa Franco LF, Negrini S, Kiekens C, Spir Brunal MA, Roberg ASB, Cruz Sarmiento KM. Factors that influence the provision of home-based rehabilitation services for people needing rehabilitation: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 2:CD014823. [PMID: 36780267 PMCID: PMC9918343 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To increase people's access to rehabilitation services, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to explore how the delivery of these services can be adapted. This includes the use of home-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation. Home-based rehabilitation services may become frequently used options in the recovery process of patients, not only as a solution to accessibility barriers, but as a complement to the usual in-person inpatient rehabilitation provision. Telerehabilitation is also becoming more viable as the usability and availability of communication technologies improve. OBJECTIVES To identify factors that influence the organisation and delivery of in-person home-based rehabilitation and home-based telerehabilitation for people needing rehabilitation. SEARCH METHODS We searched PubMed, Global Health, the VHL Regional Portal, Epistemonikos, Health Systems Evidence, and EBM Reviews as well as preprints, regional repositories, and rehabilitation organisations websites for eligible studies, from database inception to search date in June 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies that used qualitative methods for data collection and analysis; and that explored patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and other stakeholders' experiences, perceptions and behaviours about the provision of in-person home-based rehabilitation and home-based telerehabilitation services responding to patients' needs in different phases of their health conditions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used a purposive sampling approach and applied maximum variation sampling in a four-step sampling frame. We conducted a framework thematic analysis using the CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) framework as our starting point. We assessed our confidence in the findings using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included 223 studies in the review and sampled 53 of these for our analysis. Forty-five studies were conducted in high-income countries, and eight in low-and middle-income countries. Twenty studies addressed in-person home-based rehabilitation, 28 studies addressed home-based telerehabilitation services, and five studies addressed both modes of delivery. The studies mainly explored the perspectives of healthcare providers, patients with a range of different health conditions, and their informal caregivers and family members. Based on our GRADE-CERQual assessments, we had high confidence in eight of the findings, and moderate confidence in five, indicating that it is highly likely or likely respectively that these findings are a reasonable representation of the phenomenon of interest. There were two findings with low confidence. High and moderate confidence findings Home-based rehabilitation services delivered in-person or through telerehabilitation Patients experience home-based services as convenient and less disruptive of their everyday activities. Patients and providers also suggest that these services can encourage patients' self-management and can make them feel empowered about the rehabilitation process. But patients, family members, and providers describe privacy and confidentiality issues when services are provided at home. These include the increased privacy of being able to exercise at home but also the loss of privacy when one's home life is visible to others. Patients and providers also describe other factors that can affect the success of home-based rehabilitation services. These include support from providers and family members, good communication with providers, the requirements made of patients and their surroundings, and the transition from hospital to home-based services. Telerehabilitation specifically Patients, family members and providers see telerehabilitation as an opportunity to make services more available. But providers point to practical problems when assessing whether patients are performing their exercises correctly. Providers and patients also describe interruptions from family members. In addition, providers complain of a lack of equipment, infrastructure and maintenance and patients refer to usability issues and frustration with digital technology. Providers have different opinions about whether telerehabilitation is cost-efficient for them. But many patients see telerehabilitation as affordable and cost-saving if the equipment and infrastructure have been provided. Patients and providers suggest that telerehabilitation can change the nature of their relationship. For instance, some patients describe how telerehabilitation leads to easier and more relaxed communication. Other patients describe feeling abandoned when receiving telerehabilitation services. Patients, family members and providers call for easy-to-use technologies and more training and support. They also suggest that at least some in-person sessions with the provider are necessary. They feel that telerehabilitation services alone can make it difficult to make meaningful connections. They also explain that some services need the provider's hands. Providers highlight the importance of personalising the services to each person's needs and circumstances. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This synthesis identified several factors that can influence the successful implementation of in-person home-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation services. These included factors that facilitate implementation, but also factors that can challenge this process. Healthcare providers, program planners and policymakers might benefit from considering these factors when designing and implementing programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Velez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | | | - Claire Glenton
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ana M Posada
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Stefano Negrini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University La Statale , Milano, Italy
- Laboratory of Evidence Based Rehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
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Sevitz JS, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Kiefer BR, Alcalay RN, Kuo SH, Troche MS. Rehabilitation of Airway Protection in Individuals With Movement Disorders: A Telehealth Feasibility Study. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2022; 31:2741-2758. [PMID: 36279509 PMCID: PMC9911128 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Airway protective deficits (swallowing and cough) greatly reduce health and quality of life and are a pervasive consequence of neurodegenerative movement disorders. Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and cough skill training (CST) are two treatment approaches to improve airway protection; however, many patients are unable to access these treatments. Telehealth may improve access to care, but it remains unknown whether these treatments are feasible and efficacious via telehealth. This study aimed to determine the practical feasibility and preliminary treatment effect of EMST and CST via telehealth. METHOD Twenty participants with movement disorders completed 4 weeks of EMST and 2 weeks of CST, including two clinician-directed treatment sessions via telehealth and 3 days of home practice per week. Feasibility was calculated for each treatment. Practical feasibility was defined as completing treatment (EMST or CST) and obtaining the relevant outcome measures-a proxy of maximum expiratory pressure (pMEP) for EMST and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for CST-within a 30-min session/period. Session factors that may have influenced feasibility were examined. Preliminary treatment effect was defined as changes in pMEP and PEFR. RESULTS Time taken to obtain pMEP and complete EMST was 17.48 min, and time taken to obtain PEFR and complete CST was 17.69 min. pMEP, single voluntary cough PEFR, and sequential voluntary cough PEFR increased from pre- to posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the delivery of EMST and CST is feasible via telehealth and yield improvements to pMEP and PEFR. This has important implications for expanding service delivery of airway protective interventions and reducing health care disparities in people with neurodegenerative movement disorders. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21357669.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordanna S Sevitz
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - James C Borders
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Avery E Dakin
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Brianna R Kiefer
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Roy N Alcalay
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michelle S Troche
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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Jackson SM, Neibling BA, Barker RN. Stroke survivors' perspectives on recovering in rural and remote Australia: A systematic mixed studies review. Aust Occup Ther J 2021; 69:214-230. [PMID: 34918349 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke survivors recovering in rural and remote locations often have little or no access to rehabilitation services. The purpose of this study was to review the literature on recovering in rural and remote Australia, from the perspective of stroke survivors. Use of technology to support recovery was also explored. METHODS A systematic mixed studies review was conducted and reported according to the ENTREQ and PRISMA statements. MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Scopus, PsycINFO (ProQuest), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched from inception to May 2021 for studies investigating stroke survivors' perspectives on recovering in rural or remote Australia. Qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods studies were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Studies were not excluded or weighted according to methodological quality. To review the perspectives of stroke survivors on recovering, findings of included studies were mapped to the Living My Life framework and integrated using a convergent qualitative synthesis. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017064990). RESULTS Eight studies met the inclusion criteria: six qualitative, one quantitative and one mixed methods. Methodological quality of the small number of studies ranged from low to high, indicating further high-quality research is needed. Included studies involved 152 stroke survivors in total. Review findings indicated that recovering was driven by working towards what mattered to stroke survivors, in ways that matched their beliefs and preferences and that worked for them in their world, including use of technology. CONCLUSION Stroke survivors recovering in rural and remote locations want to live their life by doing what matters to them, despite the challenges they face. They want support in ways that work for them in their environment. Further research is required to tailor support for stroke survivors that is specific to their life in rural and remote locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jackson
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.,Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, Australia
| | - Bridee A Neibling
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Ruth N Barker
- Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, Australia.,College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
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Browne T, McKinney SH, Duck L, Baliko B, Blake EW, Bethel SR, Christopher R. An academic-community interprofessional telehealth online training partnership: Impact on students and providers. J Interprof Care 2021; 36:643-650. [PMID: 34514934 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2021.1967896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Telehealth can be used to improve rural communities' access to specialized healthcare services and ameliorate rural care barriers. Use of telehealth quickly increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, and universities shifted to online instruction for the safety of students and faculty. This rapid uptake of telehealth and online instruction has created an urgent need for examples of online training for health professional students in telehealth. Participants for this study included 44 students enrolled in an interprofessional online mental health telehealth course and four health care professionals from rural clinics. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed from students and providers. Four primary themes were identified: student benefits from the IPE telehealth course, patient benefits, clinic benefits, and technological challenges. Student subthemes included learning skills needed for telehealth, improving team skills, learning about professional roles and responsibilities, and understanding rural health needs. Clinic benefits included improving telehealth readiness. This study presents an early example of online interprofessional mental health telehealth training using an academic-community partnership. Our pilot findings suggest that this course experience resulted in positive benefits for students and rural clinic providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri Browne
- University of South Carolina College of Social Work, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Lauren Duck
- University of South Carolina Sponsored Awards Management, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Beverly Baliko
- University of South Carolina College of Nursing, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Samuel R Bethel
- University of South Carolina College of Social Work, Columbia, SC, USA
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Armstrong E, Coffin J, Hersh D, Katzenellenbogen JM, Thompson SC, Ciccone N, Flicker L, Woods D, Hayward C, Dowell C, McAllister M. "You felt like a prisoner in your own self, trapped": the experiences of Aboriginal people with acquired communication disorders. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 43:1903-1916. [PMID: 31692386 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1686073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aboriginal Australians are under-represented in brain injury rehabilitation services despite a high incidence of both stroke and traumatic brain injury in this population. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Aboriginal Australian adults with acquired communication disorders (ACDs) after brain injury for the first time to inform the development of accessible and culturally secure service delivery models. METHODS AND MATERIALS Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 32 Aboriginal people who had experienced a brain injury resulting in ACDs (aged 35-79 years) and 18 family members/carers across Western Australia. Thematic analysis identified common themes across participants. RESULTS Overall themes related to communication (both related to the communication disorder and general healthcare interactions), health and social contexts, recovery, and support, being away from family and country, knowledge and beliefs about brain injury, and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS An increase in healthcare staff's appreciation of the health and social contexts of Aboriginal people after brain injury is needed in order to improve communication with Aboriginal patients and the ability to offer accessible rehabilitation services. Ongoing support is required, with cultural identity noted as key to ensuring cultural security and ultimately recovery. Involvement of family and other Aboriginal people in recovery processes, as well as access to relevant Aboriginal languages and proximity to ancestral lands is central.Implications for rehabilitationAcknowledgment of cultural identity and strengths through involvement of extended family and Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, access to language and proximity to country all central to rehabilitation planning for Aboriginal people after brain injury.Cultural security training for rehabilitation staff is recommended focusing on clear two-way communication skills to make medical information accessible for Aboriginal patients and to listen to patients' concerns in a way that respects cultural context.Information regarding practical support and implications for ongoing management of life after brain injury (for the person and their family) is essential, and should supplement the medical-related information provided.Follow-up post discharge from hospital best facilitated through establishing contact with local Aboriginal community through Aboriginal community controlled health services, community elders, and Aboriginal health workers across organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Armstrong
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Deborah Hersh
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Judith M Katzenellenbogen
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - Sandra C Thompson
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Geraldton, Australia
| | - Natalie Ciccone
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Leon Flicker
- Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Deborah Woods
- Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service, Geraldton, Australia
| | - Colleen Hayward
- Kurongkurl Katitjin, Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Catelyn Dowell
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Meaghan McAllister
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
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Jackson SM, Solomon SD, Barker RN. Recovering is about living my life, as it evolves: perspectives of stroke survivors in remote northwest Queensland. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 44:3843-3852. [PMID: 33625948 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1890242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recovering from stroke in remote Australia has rarely been considered, even though rehabilitation services are generally scarce. The primary purpose of this study was to explore stroke recovery, from the perspective of stroke survivors in remote northwest Queensland (NWQ), to explicate the lens through which they view recovering. The secondary purpose was to explore the role of technology to support stroke survivors in remote locations along their recovery journey. METHODS A qualitative study was undertaken using elements of constructivist grounded theory for data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen stroke survivors and two partners living, working or travelling in remote NWQ. RESULTS From the participants' perspective, recovering in a remote area after stroke is about living my life, as it evolves by endeavouring to recover my way and navigating my recovery in my world. Technology was only considered helpful when it supported participants to recover their way in their world. CONCLUSION Recovering from stroke from the perspective of stroke survivors in remote NWQ is about living their life, as they want it to be, and as it unfolds within their own context. Technology only has a place when it can support them to recover their way in their world. These findings reinforce the importance of health professionals listening, learning about, and enabling stroke survivors along their recovery journey, within their remote context and support network.Implications for RehabilitationRecovering from the perspective of stroke survivors is about living their life as it evolves.To support stroke survivors from remote areas, health professionals need to listen to and learn from each stroke survivor about what matters to them, what works for them, and about their world; including the challenges (e.g., switching between services) and enablers (e.g., community support) as the stroke survivor perceives them.Finding ways to utilise the strengths within and around them, may improve the recovery process for the stroke survivor in a remote area, ensuring they can access care that meets their needs in their world.Working together with stroke survivors, health professionals need to consider how technology could help them to live their life, while recovering their way and in their world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jackson
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.,Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, Australia
| | - S D Solomon
- Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, Australia
| | - R N Barker
- Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, Australia.,College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
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Determinants of access to eHealth services in regional Australia. Int J Med Inform 2019; 131:103960. [PMID: 31518858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.103960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australia has a universal public healthcare system, but access to eHealth services (i.e. use of the Internet and related technologies for healthcare services) remains a remarkable challenge, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities. Similar to many other countries, Australia faces the challenges of an ageing population and chronic disease management as well as balancing the supply of and the demand for quality healthcare and advanced medical procedures. The prima facie case for inequality in accessing eHealth services across geographical settings is widely acknowledged. However, regional residents' perceptions on access to eHealth services lack empirical evidence. Therefore, this study empirically investigates the current state and predictors of eHealth service access in regional Australia. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based household survey was conducted within a total of 390 randomly selected adults from the Western Downs Region in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between eHealth access and respondents' characteristics. A multivariate logistic regression model was also performed to identify the significant predictors of eHealth service access in regional Australia. RESULTS Approximately 78% of the households have access to eHealth services. However, access to eHealth services in socioeconomically disadvantaged households was lower (19%) than that of their advantaged counterparts (25%). Factors that significantly increased the likelihood of accessing eHealth services included middle age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.84, 8.66), household size (three to four members) (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.73), broadband Internet access (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.90) and digital literacy (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.59). Factors that negatively influenced access to eHealth services were low educational levels (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.61), low socioeconomic status (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.83) and remote locations (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.80). CONCLUSION Emerging universal eHealth access provides immense societal benefits in regional settings. The findings of this study could assist policy makers and healthcare practitioners in identifying factors that influence eHealth access and thereby formulate effective health policies to optimise healthcare utilisation in regional Australia.
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