title: Is telemonitoring useful for supporting persons with consciousness disorders and caregivers? A preliminary observational study in a real-life population.
abstract: Introduction Preliminary evidences showed that telemedicine may allow a reduction of costs and an enhancement of patients' satisfaction and quality of life (QoL), with the same effectiveness of conventional methods of healthcare delivery. Literature is quite absent in relation to the use of telemedicine for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) whose management is delegated almost entirely to the family. In order to promote an alternative setting to manage persons affected by DoC, also supporting their families, a pilot project was designed to test the feasibility of home-care assistance based on a system of telemonitoring. Methods In total, 11 patients were supported by a telemonitoring system via a workstation installed at the patients' homes. All patients underwent a clinical and functional evaluation at enrolment, after two months, after six months and at the end of the project, after 12 months by means of clinical scales (Glasgow Coma Scale, Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, Disability Rating Scale), while the World Health Organization (WHO) QoL, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and a satisfaction score were completed by caregivers. Results Patients' scores at the clinical scales did not show statistically significant differences from T0 to T3. A trend toward the improvement of caregivers' QoL, anxiety and depression, as well as a high degree of satisfaction with regard to the intervention, were reported. The economic evaluation showed an average cost/day for a patient of about €70. Discussion Preliminary data suggest that the use of telemonitoring services in the management of persons affected by DoC is feasible and well accepted by caregivers, with a potential positive effect on their mood and QoL. Therefore, telemonitoring should be considered in the management of DoC patients to favour discharge from acute care and to support families in home care.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation Unit, HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals, Zingonia di Ciserano, Bergamo, Italy.|2 Gli Amici di Eleonora ONLUS, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zucchella
authors.affiliation: 3 TiOne Technology srl, Qualiano, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Santis
authors.affiliation: 2 Gli Amici di Eleonora ONLUS, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Biagio
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ciccone
authors.affiliation: 3 TiOne Technology srl, Qualiano, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pelella
authors.affiliation: 2 Gli Amici di Eleonora ONLUS, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scappaticci
authors.affiliation: 4 Well_B_Lab*, Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Badalassi
authors.affiliation: 5 University Hospital Arcispedale S Anna, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lavezzi
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation Unit, HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals, Zingonia di Ciserano, Bergamo, Italy.
authors.forename: Michelangelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bartolo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Telerehabilitation; burden; caregivers; home care; telemedicine