TABLET TOSCANA to Develop Innovative Organizational Models for Tele-Rehabilitation in Subjects with Congenital and Acquired Developmental Disabilities: A Wait-List Control Group Trial Protocol

Background/Objectives: In recent years, the advent of new technologies has fostered their application in neuro-psychomotor and language rehabilitation, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as an innovative and timely solution, enabling personalized interventions monitored by clinicians. TABLET TOSCANA project aims to develop innovative tele-rehabilitation organizational models in children, adolescents and young adults with congenital and acquired developmental disabilities, using the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) Home Kit and the MedicoAmico APP. Methods: The trial is designed according to the CONSORT statement guidelines. The project encompasses three phases: adapting the technologies for pediatric use, validating them through a wait-list study, and analyzing feasibility and effectiveness data to define new organizational models. A randomized wait-list-control study with 100 subjects aged 6 to 30 years will compare tele-rehabilitation versus prosecution of standard care. Discussion: Although literature highlights tele-rehabilitation benefits such as improved access, cost savings, and enhanced treatment adherence, practical implementation remains limited (i.e., the definition of standardized procedures). TABLET TOSCANA project seeks to address these gaps by focusing on multi-domain treatments for neurodevelopmental disabilities and emphasizing the integration of tele-rehabilitation into local health services. Conclusion: The project aims to improve the continuity and intensity of care through innovative models that integrate tele-rehabilitation into local health services. The results could inform healthcare policies and promote the development of innovative and collaborative models of care, paving the way for more effective and widespread tele-rehabilitation solutions and fostering collaborative networks among professionals

Wireless sensor network applications in urban telehealth

Advances in wireless sensor network management have potential applications in urban telehealth. Telehealth is the delivery of health related services and information via telecommunications technologies. Previous efforts on telemedicine management have focused on medical care for rural populations, however urban communities will benefit significantly from advances in wireless network design and management. Within the domain of occupational and physical therapy, known as telerehabilitation, expected active benefits to urban communities include greater adherence to rehabilitation protocol due to ease of use and removal of the travel requirement for multiple weekly trips to clinical site and clinical appointments. Additionally, passive benefits are envisioned to include monitoring of the environment, such as balconies, interior and hallway spaces for detection of road and urban pollutants, including cigarette, exhaust, and cleaning products. The integration of active and passive sensing would provide a more complete picture of the therapy client\u27s living environment and the therapy practice within that environment. This information can be provided by the proposed wireless sensor network application. © 2007 IEEE