Emergence of Covid-19 to Boost Demand for Telerehabilitation Systems

                                                           Telerehabilitation Systems

Telerehabilitation systems are the provision of rehabilitation services via the internet and telecommunication networks. Telerehabilitation may deliver treatment to individuals who are unable to travel to a medical clinic for rehabilitation or for treatment due to unfavorable traveling conditions. Telerehabilitation may also be used in hospitals and other long term care facilities, such as home care agencies and nursing homes. Telerehabilitation offers many advantages for patients, the health care system, and for the institutions that provide the rehabilitation service. For patients, telerehabilitation allows them to maintain active participation in their recovery process. For the health care system, telerehabilitation allows more patients to utilize their services, which often leads to more efficient and effective care.

Emergence of Covid-19 is expected to boost demand for telerehabilitation systems. Globally, as of 5:40pm CET, 2 November 2021, there have been 246,951,274 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 5,004,855 deaths, as reported to the World Health Organization.

Telerehabilitation systems fall into two categories: general and specialty services. General clinical assessment and management of symptoms falls into the general category of telerehabilitation. Specific treatments in specific areas of clinical need falls under the specialty category of telerehabilitation. This latter category includes such services as palliative care, cognitive behavior therapy, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and many others. The most common services within the specialty categories are inpatient and outpatient care, which are included in the care of patients who do not require hospitalization and those requiring specialized care but who are unable to travel to the hospital on a regular basis.

The Rich Internet Applications category of telerehabilitation systems describes the use of telerehabilitation systems in Rich Internet applications. Rich internet applications are those in which a patient is able to access information and communicate with a trained professional on a twenty four hour basis. Rich internet applications are often used in telemedicine to ensure that patients have up to date information regarding their condition and that their specialist is always informed. Telerehabilitation has also found its niche in education and training. Students and professionals involved in rehabilitation or other fields may benefit from using telerehabilitation systems.