RESNA Annual Conference - 2012

EVALUATION OF A TELEREHABILITATION SYSTEM FOR COMMUNITY- BASED REHABILITATION

Jamie Schutte1, Sara Gales3, Ashlee Filippone1, Andi Saptono2, Bambang Parmanto2, Michael McCue1

University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology1, University of Pittsburgh Department of Health Information Management2, and Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation3

The use of web-based portals, while increasing in popularity in the fields of medicine and research, are rarely reported on in community-based rehabilitation programs. A telerehab system was developed using a web-based Portal along with Versatile Integrated System for Telerehabilitation (VISyTER) video- conferencing system to support a variety of clinical activities and delivery of remote rehab services. This study examines the usability of the system. Several usability and satisfaction surveys were administered to CSEP staff to gather both objective and subjective data. Results showed generally high levels of usability. Users commented the telerehab system improved communication and speed of completing tasks, increased information access, and had an appealing interface. Areas where users would like to see improvements including, accessing/editing documents and searching for information are discussed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research was supported in part by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) grant # H133E090002 Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Telerehabilitation (TR).

The researchers would also like to acknowledge and thank the Hiram G. Andrews Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for support in this project.