Mobile Telerehabilitation Mobile Telerehabilitation Evaluation (MTE)—Evaluation (MTE)—Proof of ConceptProof of Concept

Barbara Demuth, R.N., M.S.N.

Assistant Director for Telemedicine

What is a

Sûr-moo-sa -- n. 1. An acronym for Center of Excellence for Remote and Medically Under-Served Areas. 2. A research institute at Saint Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania, principally funded by the Office of Naval Research. 3. CERMUSA tests, evaluates, demonstrates and assesses "best practices" in providing healthcare services and education utilizing appropriate, available technology.

Hiram G. Andrews Hiram G. Andrews CenterCenter

Mission– Provide comprehensive rehabilitative,

educational, and life skill services in a focused environment which results in employment for persons with disabilities.

BarriersBarriers

TransportationTelecommunciationsDistanceTimeWeatherResources

The SolutionThe Solution

Real-time video over POTS– Portable– Self-contained– User-friendly

OutcomesOutcomes

31 evaluations– 25 successfully completed– 3 refusals– 3 technical problems

0

1

2

3

4

With TMWithoutTM

Number of Travelers to Consult

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Frequency

<100100-199200-299300-399400-499500-599600-699700-799Miles

Total Mileage to Consultn=26, Mean=278, S.D.=178.6

0

2

4

6

8

>$100$100-199$200-299$300-399$400-499$500-599$600-699$700-799$800-899$900-999$1000 +

Total Savings=$10,416.89

Cost Savings Per Consultn=25 Mean = $424.60

Total SavingsTotal Savings

Average savings of 63.4% for consults completed via VTC

Total Savings was $10,416.89

Technical Difficulties Technical Difficulties

None reported for 22 encountersMinor problems reported

– Difficulty initiating call– Battery charge low– Difficulty with video outdoors

Future ResearchFuture Research

Questions??Questions??

www.cermusa.francis.edu