Implementation and Evaluation of the Virtual Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) for Individuals With Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.
Phys Ther
; 101(6)2021 06 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1121254
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Given the uncertainty of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, implementing telerehabilitation that enables the remote delivery of rehabilitation services is needed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We studied the implementation and the effectiveness of the virtual Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) delivered and evaluated via videoconferencing in individuals with stroke.METHODS:
The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework with mixed methods was used to evaluate the implementation of the 2 iterations of the program delivered by a nonprofit organization during the pandemic.RESULTS:
Reach Seventeen people were screened, 13 people were eligible, and 11 consented to participate in the study. Effectiveness Between baseline and posttest, participants with stroke demonstrated significant improvement in upper extremity function (Arm Capacity and Movement Test) and self-perceived upper extremity (UE) function (Stroke Impact Scale). Adoption Factors that facilitate program uptake by the staff were well-planned implementation, appropriate screening procedure, and helpful feedback from the audits. All staff felt comfortable using videoconferencing technology to deliver the program despite some technical difficulties. Factors contributing to ongoing participation included that the participants liked the group, they perceived improvements, and the instructor was encouraging. Only one participant with stroke was not comfortable using the videoconferencing technology. Implementation The program was implemented as intended as evaluated by a fidelity checklist. Participants' adherence was high, as verified by the average attendance and practice time. Maintenance The organization continued to offer the program.CONCLUSION:
The virtual GRASP program was successfully implemented. Although the program was effective in improving both measured and perceived UE function in a small sample of individuals with stroke, caution should be taken in generalizing the results. IMPACT Implementing telerehabilitation is crucial to optimize patient outcomes and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our findings provide guidance on the process of delivering a UE rehabilitation program remotely via videoconferencing for stroke. Moreover, insights that arise from this study also inform the implementation of other telerehabilitation services.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Upper Extremity
/
Exercise Therapy
/
Telerehabilitation
/
Stroke Rehabilitation
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ptj
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS