Abstract
Background
Stroke is a leading cause of impairment and death. Many survivors suffer from motor, sensory and speech impairments and require ongoing rehabilitation. Digital health interventions have the potential to overcome barriers such as distance between patient and therapist. However, there is a lack of clarity in terms and definitions used in research and practice. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the definitions and terms used in publications by healthcare professionals (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy) related to digital stroke rehabilitation.
Methods
We did a scoping review of all publications related to stroke survivors who received synchronous technology-based distance therapeutic rehabilitation services in physical, occupational therapy, as well as speech and language therapy (PT, OT, SLT). Services were image-based, sensor-based, virtual environment and/or virtual reality-based, and publications were published worldwide in English, French or German between the year 2000 and December 2022, including elaboration of a concept map of the terms and definitions used.
Results
There is a lack of consistency in terminology and definitions in the field of digital stroke rehabilitation across different countries, languages and professional groups. A preference for the term ‘telerehabilitation’ could be found, as well as a definition.
Discussion
Although the WHO taxonomy aims to provide a ‚bridging language’ to ensure understanding between different actors, exchange and networking among the therapeutic professions would be necessary to reach a common term for ‚consultations between remote clients and healthcare providers’ in stroke rehabilitation.