Abstract
Description
Background: Functional decline is inevitable at the end-of-life, yet access to rehabilitation to optimise function is limited for people with advanced disease. Evaluation of alternate models of care that support patients and carers to manage at home for as long as they are able is vital. A Department of Health funded telehealth study evaluated palliative care and rehabilitation interventions. Aim: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a clinical telehealth intervention for patients and carers receiving community palliative care and rehabilitation in South Australia. Methods: Thirty seven patient-carer dyads and 6 single patients receiving community palliative care consented to participate in a telehealth intervention. Participants self reported symptoms and function and participated in videoconferences with clinicians via iPad. Twenty-six interviews were conducted with participants about their experience of telehealth. One participant was seen by palliative care and rehabilitation study arms. Results: Telehealth supported collaboration between palliative care and rehabilitation clinicians enabled this man to optimise his function which reduced physical burden on his wife. Conclusion: As people live longer at the end-of-life, it is imperative we examine ways optimise function, in conjunction with symptom management and psycho-spiritual care. Future telehealth supported partnerships between palliative care and rehabilitation offer an innovative opportunity to do this.
Background: Functional decline is inevitable at the end-of-life, yet access to rehabilitation to optimise function is limited for people with advanced disease. Evaluation of alternate models of care that support patients and carers to manage at home for as long as they are able is vital. A Department of Health funded telehealth study evaluated palliative care and rehabilitation interventions. Aim: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a clinical telehealth intervention for patients and carers receiving community palliative care and rehabilitation in South Australia. Methods: Thirty seven patient-carer dyads and 6 single patients receiving community palliative care consented to participate in a telehealth intervention. Participants self reported symptoms and function and participated in videoconferences with clinicians via iPad. Twenty-six interviews were conducted with participants about their experience of telehealth. One participant was seen by palliative care and rehabilitation study arms. Results: Telehealth supported collaboration between palliative care and rehabilitation clinicians enabled this man to optimise his function which reduced physical burden on his wife. Conclusion: As people live longer at the end-of-life, it is imperative we examine ways optimise function, in conjunction with symptom management and psycho-spiritual care. Future telehealth supported partnerships between palliative care and rehabilitation offer an innovative opportunity to do this.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Sept 2015 |
| Event | Fit for the Future, 13th Palliative Care Australia Conference - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia Duration: 1 Sept 2015 → 4 Sept 2015 |
Conference
| Conference | Fit for the Future, 13th Palliative Care Australia Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Melbourne |
| Period | 1/09/15 → 4/09/15 |