Remote participants' experiences with a group-based stroke self-management program using videoconference technology.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Telehealth

Background:

• Telehealth utilizes information and communication technology to deliver health services remotely.
• Videoconferencing enables synchronous, two-way audio-visual connections for healthcare delivery.
• The Moving On after Stroke (MOST®) program is a group-based, self-management intervention for stroke survivors and caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore remote participants' experiences with the MOST-Telehealth Remote (MOST-TR) program.
• To identify factors enabling or limiting participation in videoconferenced group programs.
• To gather suggestions for improving the delivery of remote videoconferenced group programs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interpretive methodology using semi-structured interviews.
• Interviews conducted with 19 remote MOST-TR participants (stroke survivors and caregivers).
• Data analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods and NVivo software.

Main Results:

• Participants highly valued the increased accessibility of the MOST-TR program, avoiding long-distance travel.
• While feeling safe, participants noted limitations in communication subtleties and private discussions via videoconference.
• Facilitators require explicit strategies to engage remote participants; suggestions include preliminary face-to-face meetings and ongoing onsite support.

Conclusions:

• Videoconference participation in the MOST-TR program was valuable for remote individuals.
• Addressing videoconferencing limitations and bolstering local support can enhance remote participant experiences.
• Videoconferencing significantly improves access to self-management programs for individuals in remote areas.