Who is suitable for a program of telerehabilitation?
People with a chronic lung condition, and willing to participate in telerehabilitation, may potentially be suitable.
Considerations for eligibility for telerehabilitation:
When considering potential eligibility for a telerehabilitation program take into account relevant safety considerations for your context eg. if using exercise bikes, can the patient safely mount and dismount independently? Do they have issues with balance or history of falls? Do they have sufficient space for equipment in their home environment? Do they have a stable and reliable WiFi connection, with sufficient bandwidth (where mobile data is not provided by the clinical service)?
The following is a list of eligibility considerations for successfully and safely participating in telerehabilitation:
- Reliable internet access at home and happy to use own Wi-Fi network for telerehabilitation (if mobile data not being provided to participant) – essential
- Phone available at home (landline or mobile) – essential
- Safe to exercise and use equipment independently with remote supervision and monitoring – essential
- Suitable home environment that can accommodate the telerehabilitation equipment: safety, space, animals – essential
- Patient preference, including willingness to use videoconferencing and equipment
- Ability to operate videoconferencing platform, independently or with family/carer assistance
- Adequate hearing and vision to participate in videoconferencing sessions
- Adequate command of the relevant language to follow instructions
- Adequate oxygen supply to meet flow requirements for individuals requiring oxygen to exercise.
Who is less suitable for a program of telerehabilitation?
The following are some examples of relative precautions and contraindications for participation in telerehabilitation to be considered within your local context:
- Individuals with: significant hearing and/or vision impairment cognitive impairment limiting ability to participate
- Unstable cardiac or neurological disease
- Musculoskeletal conditions limiting/precluding exercise participation despite tailored exercises.
- Poor balance with the risk of falling without direct, face-to-face supervision
Individuals who:
- Are unable to use required equipment/not confident or safe to use equipment/technology despite instruction and support
- Are unable to access required equipment (where not provided as part of program structure)
- Have poor internet connectivity
- Do not live in an appropriate environment
