Transcript Tele-Rehabilitation

Mobile Telerehabilitation
Evaluation (MTE)—
Proof of Concept
Barbara Demuth, R.N., M.S.N.
Assistant Director for Telemedicine
What is a
Sûr-moo-sa -- n. 1. An acronym for Center of Excellence
for Remote and Medically Under-Served Areas. 2. A
research institute at Saint Francis University, Loretto,
Pennsylvania, principally funded by the Office of Naval
Research. 3. CERMUSA tests, evaluates, demonstrates and
assesses "best practices" in providing healthcare services
and education utilizing appropriate, available technology.
Hiram G. Andrews
Center

Mission
– Provide comprehensive rehabilitative,
educational, and life skill services in a focused
environment which results in employment for
persons with disabilities.
Barriers

Transportation
 Telecommunciations
 Distance
 Time
 Weather
 Resources
The Solution

Real-time video over POTS
– Portable
– Self-contained
– User-friendly
Outcomes

31 evaluations
– 25 successfully completed
– 3 refusals
– 3 technical problems
Number of Travelers to Consult
4
3
2
1
0
With TM
WithoutTM
Total Mileage to Consult
r e q u e n c y
n=26, Mean=278, S.D.=178.6
6
5
4
3
F
2
1
0
<100
100-199 200-299 300-399 400-499 500-599 600-699 700-799
Miles
Cost Savings Per Consult
n=25 Mean = $424.60
8
6
4
2
0
>$100
$100-199 $200-299 $300-399 $400-499 $500-599 $600-699 $700-799 $800-899 $900-999
Total Savings=$10,416.89
$1000 +
Total Savings

Average savings of 63.4% for consults
completed via VTC
 Total Savings was $10,416.89
Technical Difficulties

None reported for 22 encounters
 Minor problems reported
– Difficulty initiating call
– Battery charge low
– Difficulty with video outdoors
Future Research
Questions??
www.cermusa.francis.edu