Telerehabilitation Assessment Using the Functioning Everyday with a Wheelchair-Capacity Outcome Tool
Richard M. Schein, MS1 , Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP1 , David Brienza, PhD1 , and Andi Saptono, MS2
1 Department of Rehab. Sciences & Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
2 Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
ABSTRACT
This pilot study explored testing the reliability of a physical function capacity assessment by practitioners (i.e. Physical and Occupational Therapists) during face-to-face and remote consultation administration of the Functioning Everyday with a Wheelchair-Capacity (FEW-C) outcome tool to 20 subjects with a mobility limitation. The patients were assessed at remote clinics by generalist practitioners who were receiving remote consultation from an expert practitioner (EP) via Telerehabilitation (TR). The more clinically relevant inter-rater reliability and internal consistency was examined. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for the total tool was 0.79 and for the constructs of independence, safety, and quality were 0.88, 0.68, 0.80 respectively. Cronbach’s alpha scores for the total tool were 0.93 and for the constructs of independence, safety, and quality were 0.79, 0.88, and 0.88 respectively. Using telecommunications and other forms of information technology for TR can improve the safety, quality, and effectiveness of care being provided.
KEYWORDS
telerehabilitation; assistive technology; outcome tools; communications technology
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This study is funded by National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (#070252)
CONTACT
Richard M. Schein, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, 2310 Jane Street Suite1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, rms35@pitt.edu