Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
Published on: March 8, 2018
Persons with stroke and caregivers' experiences with a hybrid outpatient stroke telerehabilitation program (HOSTP): a
Marina B Wasilewski1, Shaghayegh Mirbaha1, Karl Wong2
1St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, North York, Ontario, Canada.
Purpose:
This study explored persons with stroke (PWS) and caregivers' experiences with the Hybrid Outpatient Stroke Telerehabilitation Program (HOSTP), including its implementation, quality, and impact.
Materials & Methods:
A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 PWS and 6 caregivers. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.
Results:
Three themes were identified: (1) Virtual care alone cannot replace in-person rehabilitation; (2) The virtual component of the HOSTP aligns with certain forms of rehabilitation better than others; and (3) Virtual care is beneficial when it is flexibly offered as part of a hybrid model.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that virtual care cannot entirely replace in-person visits for stroke rehabilitation, but complements it and adds value when integrated as a flexible add-on option in a hybrid care model. A patient-centered hybrid model of care, integrating virtual components into streamlined workflows, may improve access and scheduling, and care coordination for PWS post-hospital discharge. These findings may inform service planning and policy decisions related to the delivery, accessibility, and organization of similar future outpatient stroke rehabilitation services. Future research should explore the long-term comparative effectiveness of hybrid versus fully in-person and fully virtual care for PWS' rehabilitation.
