Boosting the implementation of tele-assessments for individuals with stroke

Organization and Moderation of the Workshop. Speakers: Lena Sauerzopf, Martina Spiess, Michael Sy, Raymond Francis R. Sarmiento, Dorian Rose, Gerard Fluet, Liliana Paredes, Thierry Keller, Jonghyun KimTelerehabilitation after stroke has proven to be a meaningful and effective supplement to face-to-face interventions. This is attractive for several reasons. Firstly, in order to control rising health care costs, many countries experience a shift from prolonged inpatient rehab to outpatient and at-home care. Secondly, of course, care at a distance has been heavily boosted by the Covid-19 pandemic. To adequately set and monitor treatment goals during tele-rehabilitation, we also need valid and reliable tele-assessments. Most importantly, they must be consistently applied in clinical practice. However, while a number of task-oriented and function-based observational tele-assessments have been validated for stroke rehabilitation, they are not yet commonly used in clinical practice by therapists. Clearly, knowledge transfer about tele-assessments from research to clinic has not yet adequately taken place. Also, in addition to clinical skills, the administration of tele-assessments requires digital competencies as well. Therefore, in this workshop we will (1) provide an overview about currently available tele-assessments for individuals with stroke, (2) learn from peers by discussing participants’ experiences and needs with regard to tele-assessments and (3) gain hands-on experience with tele-assessments through practice in small groups. We will explore differences, difficulties, advantages and disadvantages of several tele-assessments by comparing them to in-person assessments. Participants will split into two rooms for practicing tele-assessments. The workshop has the following aims: It offers clinicians the opportunity for learning and self-experience with evidence-based tele-assessments after stroke. Researchers and engineers can use learnings from the discussions to inform the development of new assessments (and supporting technologies) and the creation of educational offers in the area of tele-assessments