Tele-treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Oude Nijeweme-d'Hollosy, Wendy and Janssen, Emile P.F. and Huis in 't Veld, Rianne M.H.A. and Spoelstra, Jos and Vollenbroek-Hutten, Miriam M.R. and Hermens, Hermie J. (2006) Tele-treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12 (Suppl.). pp. 31-34. ISSN 1357-633X

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Abstract:	Management of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mainly consists of (psycho) social support and advice on activities of daily living. We evaluated the effects of tele-treatment in addition to the conventional method of care in four patients with ALS. A Web application was built with information about ALS and a link to the tele-treatment environment. The latter contained a chat room and a link to start personal computer (PC)-based videoconferencing with a rehabilitation physician. The effect on quality of care was evaluated by questionnaires and interviews. The interviews showed that patients were satisfied with tele-treatment and experienced a pleasant contact during teleconsultations. The rehabilitation physician experienced acceptance of tele-treatment by the patients and a decrease in the time needed for travelling. Tele-treatment was especially suitable for discussing the practical issues about ALS. On the other hand, psychosocial and emotional issues still needed to be discussed during traditional face-to-face contact. Therefore tele-treatment should only be given in addition to face-to-face contact, rather than as a replacement for it.
Item Type:	Article
Copyright:	© 2006 Royal Society of Medicine Press
Faculty:	Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
Research Group:	Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS)
Link to this item:	http://purl.utwente.nl/publications/71310
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/135763306777978434
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