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. 2025 Jun;16(3):985-997.
doi: 10.1007/s41999-025-01170-7. Epub 2025 Mar 21.

eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation: an international consensus study

Jules J M Kraaijkamp  1   2 , Anke Persoon  3 , Niels H Chavannes  4   5 , Wilco P Achterberg  4   6 , Mohamed-Amine Choukou  7   8 , Frances Dockery  9 , Hyub Kim  10 , Laura M Pérez  11 , José E Pompeu  12 , Eva Topinkova  13   14 , Mark A Vassallo  15 , Andrea B Maier  16   17   18 , Clemens Becker  19   20 , Yoshiaki Amagasa  21 , Marije S Holstege  22   23 , Jolanda van Haastregt  24   25 , Eléonore F van Dam van Isselt  4   6
Affiliations

eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation: an international consensus study

Jules J M Kraaijkamp et al. Eur Geriatr Med. 2025 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: Current evidence on the use of eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation is limited. This aim of this study was to achieve international consensus on three key eHealth-related topics in geriatric rehabilitation: the use, domains, and scientific evaluation of eHealth. Additionally, we developed a model that provides insight into the use of eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation.

Methods: An international, two-round Delphi study was conducted. Two models served as a framework for the initial statement draft, with a total of 28 statements based on our systematic review results, an international survey, and expert opinion. Eligible healthcare professionals working in geriatric rehabilitation facilities were recruited across 10 countries.

Results: Eighty healthcare professionals participated in round one and 47 in round two. In the first round, consensus was obtained for 20 of the 28 statements (71%). Prior to round two, four statements were revised, two statements were combined, and one statement was removed. In round two, consensus was obtained on six statements, bringing the total to 26: three related to the use of eHealth, five to the domains of eHealth, and 18 related to the scientific evaluation of eHealth.

Conclusion: International consensus has been reached on the use, domains, and scientific evaluation of eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation. This first step in generating reliable knowledge and understandable information will help promote a consistent approach to the development, implementation, and scientific evaluation of eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation.

Keywords: Consensus; Delphi; Geriatric rehabilitation; Implementation; eHealth.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflicts of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethical approval: Approval for the study was obtained in Ireland and the Netherlands, in accordance with the regulations of the local Medical Ethics Committees. In other participating countries, ethical approval was not required. Informed consent: All participants signed the informed e-consent by clicking a dedicated button available in the invitation link, and by doing so they stated that they were aware that participation was voluntary.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participating groups and their different roles
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A flowchart illustrating the three phases of content preparation and consensus building
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Final model patient’s journey and domains of eHealth
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Original model: use of eHealth
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
eHealth evaluation cycle
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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