Can Telemedicine Support the Management of Osteogenesis Imperfecta?
Paulo Humberto Mem Martendal Vallandro Costa1, Fernando Henrique Vilella Nakamuta2, Vivian Yumi Aoki Nishida3
1Santa Casa de Misericordia de Sao Paulo, Pavilhao Fernandinho Simonsen, Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
Considering the need for specialized care in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), we investigated whether the use of a digital platform could optimize treatment and improve patients' quality of life.
Methods:
A guidance and data collection app was developed, complemented by a YouTube channel with physiotherapy instructions. The interventional clinical trial without a control group was carried out for 12 months with patients with OI. Patient functionality was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale. Patients were monitored via telemedicine, receiving remote multidisciplinary support.
Results:
Thirteen participants completed the study. Significant improvements were observed in self-care, transfers, and mobility subitems (p<0.05). Program adherence was high, and no patient sustained injuries during the intervention. Additionally, a total transportation cost savings of R$ 113,852.00 was recorded, reducing direct expenses for patients and their families.
Conclusion:
Telemedicine proved effective in the rehabilitation of OI patients, providing both clinical and financial benefits. The digital platform facilitated treatment adherence, optimizing medical and physiotherapy support. Future studies should explore its large-scale application and integration into public health policies. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic Studies- Investigating the Results of Treatment .
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