Abstr actIn the fields of telehealth and telemedicine, phone and/or video technologies are key to the successful provision of services such as remote monitoring and visits. How do these technologies affect service accessibility, effectiveness, quality, and usefulness when applied to rehabilitation services in the field of telerehabilitation? To answer this question, we provide a overview of the complex network of available technologies and discuss how they link to rehabilitation applications, services, and practices as well as to the telerehabilitation end-user. This white paper will first present the numerous professional considerations that shape the use of technology in telerehabilitation service and set it somewhat apart from telemedicine. It will then provide an overview of concepts essential to usability analysis; present a summary of various telerehabilitation technologies and their strengths and limitations, and consider how the technologies interface with end users' clinical needs for service accessibility, effectiveness, quality, and usefulness. The paper will highlight a conceptual framework (including task analyses and usability issues) that underlies a functional match between telerehabilitation technologies, clinical applications, and end-user capabilities for telerehabilitation purposes. Finally, we will discuss pragmatic issues related to user integration of telerehabilitation technology versus traditional face-to-face approaches.

to follow at a later date

The main purpose of this study was to demonstrate that an auto-docking device (ADD) could be produced that would meet the requirements for the universal interface contained in the evolving International Standard Organization (ISO10542-3) standard and also meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations within the United States. A secondary purpose was to produce a practical design that directly addressed the most pressing securement deficiencies being experienced by transit users and providers that had promise of transfer to commercial availability. ADD development has demonstrated that a standards-compatible ADD can be produced that meets the rigorous crash test requirements of ISO10542-3. Follow-up in-vehicle testing indicated the need for design refinement in order to prevent movement of an occupied manual wheelchair in excess of the 2-in. maximum requirement stipulated in the 1990 ADA. A user focus group provided feedback on the utility of the overall universal auto-docking concept, as well as guidance for improvement to control interfaces that would be located in the wheelchair and driver stations. The partnership with Kinedyne Inc., a manufacturer of securement devices, provided the industry-based focus that resulted in the cost containment and marketing expertise necessary to make the ADD a viable commercial product.

Abstract-Ease of use, comfort, security, and independent use of three types of wheelchair securement systems were evaluated in a large accessible transit vehicle by 20 wheelchair and scooter users. The securement systems included a 4-point tie-down system, a prototype autodocking system, and a prototype rear-facing wheelchair passenger (RF-WP) system. Study participants took a 15-minute city ride and completed a survey. Participants responded positively to the autodocking and RF-WP systems that were quicker and easier to use and allowed more independent use than the 4-point tie-down system (p < 0.001). There was concern regarding the RF-WP system that rear-facing travel made it more difficult to see upcoming stops and was less comfortable than a forward-facing ride and that the system may damage wheelchair wheels during use. The majority of participants preferred using an autodocking system because it allowed secure and independent forward-facing travel. Participants found it undesirable, however, that a wheelchair-mounted docking adaptor was needed to use the autodocking system. Study results indicate a need for improved securement systems for forward-facing use that do not require a wheelchair adaptation and can be easily and independently used by wheelchair and scooter users.

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