Current Telerehabilitation Research With Older Adults at Home: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Increased demand for in-home rehabilitation services for older adults may be met through telerehabilitation information and communication technologies. The current article reports the results of an integrative literature review summarizing current in-home telerehabilitation research with older adults. Nine studies from 2006-2015 are included. Six studies employed a remote therapist using real-time video. Three studies used text- or web-based messaging and electronic surveys. Six studies relied on dial-up Internet service and the remaining three studies used broad-band Internet connections. Future research should address (a) in-home and wearable sensing technologies to monitor health and (b) mobile devices, such as tablet computers, to collect patient self-reports. Interoperable platforms are needed to integrate disparate devices and support continuity of care across post-acute care settings. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(10), 15-20.].