International Journal of Telerehabilitation

Telerehabilitation Guidelines for Patients with Breast Cancer

Oleksandr A. Vladymyrov — 2024-08-27

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current developments in telerehabilitation, focusing on the regulatory and legal frameworks for delivering telerehabilitation services, the clinical manifestations of postmastectomy pain syndrome, and the role and significance of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) in the telerehabilitation of patients with breast cancer (BC). The document also explores telerehabilitation interventions for BC.

A detailed description of the software and hardware tools is provided, including the structural and functional overview of the Telerehabilitation Platform (TRP), software modules such as "Telerehabilitation," "Medical Reports," the Administrative Subsystem, the Information-Analytical Subsystem, which encompass the PM&R physician’s digital workspace, the PM&R Expert Subsystem, and the Patient’s digital workspace. It also covers existing and prospective scales for evaluating the effectiveness of telerehabilitation, as well as the specifics of working with identified patients in accordance with the eHealth (Electronic Healthcare System of Ukraine) requirements.

The guidelines conclude with organizational and methodological aspects for implementing telerehabilitation programs, including initial and stage-specific rehabilitation assessments, basic ICF sets, and various patient-specific telerehabilitation programs. These include a patient-centered program for the preoperative stage of telerehabilitation and individualized programs for the post-acute and long-term phases. The eight appendices include questionnaires, physical therapy programs, protocols, diaries, and requirements for the equipment and staff of the telerehabilitation/telemedicine office, among other resources.

Telerehabilitation Guidelines for Patients with Breast Cancer (Ukrainian Language Edition)

Oleksandr A. Vladymyrov — 2024-08-27

The document covers current advancements in telerehabilitation, including regulatory frameworks, clinical aspects of postmastectomy pain syndrome, and the role of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in managing patients with breast cancer. It details the Telerehabilitation Platform, describing its structural and functional components, including software modules and administrative subsystems. The guidelines also outline methods for evaluating telerehabilitation effectiveness and discuss patient-centered telerehabilitation programs for various stages, from preoperative to long-term care. Nine appendices provide additional resources such as questionnaires, physical therapy programs, and equipment requirements.

Editorial for the Special Issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation

Kyrylo S. Malakhov — 2024-08-27

This editorial introduces the special issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation, which highlights advancements in telerehabilitation technologies and their applications in healthcare, particularly in cancer care. The issue addresses the importance of remote healthcare, especially in regions like Ukraine, where the wartime situation has posed significant challenges to traditional rehabilitation services. It also presents the Ukrainian Language Edition of the Guidelines on Telerehabilitation of Breast Cancer Patients and a theoretical study on the transdisciplinary aspects of telerehabilitation. The editorial further emphasizes the significance of the upcoming 4th National Congress of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Ukraine, which will focus on multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches amidst ongoing conflict.

Theoretical Aspects of Transdisciplinarity in Telerehabilitation

Kyrylo S. Malakhov — 2024-08-27

This article explores the theoretical aspects of transdisciplinary research, with a specific focus on its application to telerehabilitation. The integration of multiple disciplines – ranging from medicine, digital health, and informatics to engineering and the social sciences – is increasingly necessary to address the complex challenges of delivering effective remote rehabilitation services. The article begins by outlining the conceptual framework, distinguishing between disciplinary, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches, and highlighting the importance of transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The theoretical foundations discussed provide a basis for understanding how the convergence of diverse fields can lead to innovative solutions in telerehabilitation. The integration of disciplines is examined in detail, illustrating how collaborative efforts across medicine, technology, and behavioral sciences can enhance patient outcomes, improve accessibility, and foster the development of personalized rehabilitation plans. The article also covers the practical implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the need for a more collaborative model of care delivery and the potential for cost-effective, scalable solutions.

Looking toward the future, the article identifies key areas for research, including the development of advanced technologies, exploration of new therapeutic modalities, and consideration of ethical and social impacts. The need for standardization and interoperability in telerehabilitation systems is also underscored, as these will be critical to ensuring the seamless integration of various technologies and platforms.