Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if a structured physician-directed, nurse-managed,
home-based telemedicine (HBT) program, consisting of scheduled/unscheduled phone
surveillance, can reduce pain in patients with chronic neck pain. DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized controlled study conducted on outpatients. Following
outpatient rehabilitation, patients (n = 100) were consecutively randomized to a
6-month HBT program (HBT group) or no HBT but only the recommendation to continue
exercising at home (control group). At baseline and after 6 months, pain severity
(visual analog scale) and disability (Neck Disability Index) were evaluated.
RESULTS: At 6 months, neck pain and disability declined in both groups (P < 0.001
for both groups, both parameters), but the decline was significantly more marked
in the HBT group (P = 0.001, both parameters). At 6 months, 87.2% of HBT patients
and 65.9% of control subjects were performing home exercises (in the range of 2-7
exercise sessions/wk). Pain and disability scores were correlated to
participation in the HBT program, patients' perception of HBT, and adherence to
home exercises. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based telemedicine may be a useful additional
tool to help physicians in the management of chronic neck pain.

Langue : ANGLAIS