Article

The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the delivery of an
inter-professional (IP) spinal triage management approach to chronic back
disorders using remote presence robotic technology as an innovative form of
telerehabilitation in a northern Saskatchewan community. Methods: The IP team,
consisting of a local nurse practitioner (NP) and a physical therapist in an
urban centre, completed a comprehensive neuromusculoskeletal assessment of, and
one follow-up visit with, a post-surgical spinal patient. Treatment included
detailed education regarding self-management after spinal surgery, provision and
progression of home exercises, and reassurance. The patient was then referred to
regional, in-person physical therapy care to complete her treatment. Results: A
semi-structured interview with the NP revealed a high level of satisfaction;
qualitative themes included the value of IP practice and the benefit to the
patient of telerehabilitation achieved through patient-centred care. In a
post-treatment survey, the patient expressed a high level of satisfaction with
and appreciation for the patient-centred approach and the IP team. Objective
clinical improvements in spinal and straight-leg raise movements were noted at
the final telerehabilitation session. Conclusion: This report demonstrates the
feasibility of delivering IP spinal triage management using telerehabilitation,
specifically remote presence robotics, in a remote setting. Further research
should include larger scale studies that investigate health, system, and economic
outcomes as well as comparative studies for other forms of telehealth technology.

Langue : ANGLAIS