RESUMEN
The COVID-19 pandemic compelled rapid healthcare adaptations including increased use of telehealth (TH) and virtual care (VC) to provide rehabilitation services. This multi-site cross-sectional survey study examined rehabilitation patients' and providers' experiences with service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the use of TH/VC. Patients and providers who received or provided rehabilitation services were recruited from 1 of 3 large, post-acute rehabilitation systems located in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants rated personal satisfaction with rehabilitation services received or rendered during the pandemic and willingness to use TH/VC in the future. Questions also addressed accessibility, ease of use, and perceived barriers to TH/VC use. The adoption and personal satisfaction of TH/VC for rehabilitation care varied between patients and providers. Patients reported higher levels of satisfaction compared to providers (P < .001). Patients who did not use TH/VC had higher satisfaction than those who did (P < .05). Patients were less willing than providers to use TH/VC (P < .001). Those who used TH/VC prior to the pandemic were more willing to use post-pandemic (P < .001). Patients reported TH/VC was useful in increasing health services accessibility yet were neutral as to the ability of TH/VC to improve outcomes. Patients and providers agreed that TH/VC was easy to learn and use. Medical providers found TH/VC more useful than therapy providers. Participants who used TH/VC during the pandemic are more willing to use the service again in the future. Understanding patient and provider preferences and perspectives is key to the continued use of TH/VC in rehabilitation care.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Telemedicina , Telerrehabilitación , Humanos , Satisfacción del Paciente , Estudios Transversales , Pandemias , Satisfacción PersonalRESUMEN
As the efficacy of low vision service provision is facilitated by clients' access to and proper use of low vision devices, the objective of this study was to evaluate an outpatient clinic-based low vision device lending library program and the functional and psychosocial impact that device use had upon clients. Twenty individuals borrowed portable video magnifiers during the study period. Line items from the Revised-Self-Report Assessment of Functional Visual Performance and the Reading Behavior Inventory were analyzed before and after device loan at two months. The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale-10 and a semi-structured interview were also completed at two months. Reported improvements in reading performance and satisfaction levels on the Reading Behavior Inventory were significant (p<.001). The Revised-Self-Report Assessment of Functional Visual Performance indicated improved independence in reading medications, bills and labels. Higher scores in happiness, independence, sense of control and adaptability on the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale-10 indicated device retention at two months. Qualitative themes included improved independence, time needed to acclimate to the device, personal appraisal impacting motivation and challenges specific to low vision. This article provides occupational therapists a model to facilitate access, person-device fit and successful use of low vision devices to promote therapy outcomes.