Telework and telerehabilitation programs for workers with a stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic: A commentary

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rehabilitation facilities have become less accessible for patients with a stroke. Lack of early, intensive rehabilitation misses the opportunity for recovery during the critical time window of endogenous plasticity and improvement post-stroke. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this commentary was to highlighting the benefits of telework and telerehabilitation programs for workers with a stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Relevant publications regarding the management of individuals with a stroke, telerehabilitation and teleworking in the setting of COVID-19 were reviewed. RESULTS: Previous studies showed that telerehabilitation can effectively provide an alternate method of promoting recovery for patients with a stroke. With the physical distancing precautions in place for mitigating viral spread, teleworking can also provide a method for long term recovery and improvements in quality of life after a stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this commentary addresses the benefits of physically distant, safe and effective alternatives to support individuals who live with a stroke during COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes in motor paralysis involving upper extremities of outpatient chronic stroke patients from temporary rehabilitation interruption due to spread of COVID-19 infection: An observational study on pre- and post-survey data without a control group

“…Telework and telerehabilitation programs have an important role in stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 27 ]. The declining birthrate and the aging population will maximize the difference between deaths and births in 2040, and this imbalance is projected to make the situation worse for 80 years, unless it accepts immigrants in Japan.…”

Implementing Team-Based Post-Stroke Telerehabilitation: A Case Example

“…As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic persisted in 2020 and 2021, hospital systems had to postpone or cancel many in-person, post-acute rehabilitation services, thus substantially interfering with the application of best practices to post-stroke management ( Buheji & Hassani, 2020 ; Stein et al, 2020 ). In response, telerehabilitation grew as an alternative delivery method for physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) services ( American Physical Therapy Association, 2020 ; Buheji & Hassani, 2020 ; Moradi et al, 2021 ; Prabawa et al, 2021 ; Stein et al, 2020 ; Tenforde et al, 2020 ). However, given that remote service delivery has only recently surged in popularity, researchers have yet to explore how reliance on accepted methods of best practice for stroke rehabilitation—such as incorporating a team-based approach to service delivery that incorporates interprofessional care plans and interdisciplinary team meetings ( Careau et al, 2008 ; Clarke & Forster, 2015 ; Heuer et al, 2019 ; Stroke Unit Trialists' Collaboration, 2013 ; Yagura et al, 2005 )—occurs with telerehabilitation.…”

Plataformas de aprendizaje en línea y su impacto en la educación universitaria en el contexto del COVID-19

“…Unfortunately, telework has several challenges, such as lack of motivation to work, and issues with ergonomics (Moradi et al, 2021). Some children's rehabilitation centers continue with a hybrid work, especially for those patients who live in very remote places or whose health condition prevents them from traveling frequently.…”