title: Feasibility of using an in-home video conferencing system in geriatric rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study trialled an in-home videoconferencing system to determine the feasibility of delivering rehabilitation services remotely to aged clients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients approved for community-based transition care were prospectively recruited to trial the eHAB™ video-conferencing system. Staff completed patient logs to record reasons for patient exclusion/inclusion. A staff satisfaction survey recorded qualitative feedback on the operation of eHAB™.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 44 patients admitted to transition care, 34 (77%) were considered unsuitable for telerehabilitation, due mainly to hearing and/or vision impairment, client/carer anxiety, lack of space in the home, and cognitive impairment. Three proceeded with set-up and use of eHAB™. Staff reported that telerehabilitation was particularly challenging because of the complexity of cases, with many requiring "hands-on" therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To implement telerehabilitation more widely in older people there are barriers to be overcome relating to patient limitations, staff issues and the logistics of the system.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Level 2 Building 33, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba QLD 4102 Australia. n.peel@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Nancye M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Peel
authors.forename: Trevor G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Leonard C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019114:Remote Consultation; D012648:Self Care; D012984:Software; D017216:Telemedicine; D049269:Videoconferencing; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000078329:Workforce