Tele-treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Published in: Journal of telemedicine and telecare 2006-07, Vol.12 (1_suppl), p.31-34
• Main Authors: Nijeweme-D'hollosy, Wendy Oude, Janssen, Emile P F, Veld, Rianne M H A Huis In ‘T, Spoelstra, Jos, Vollenbroek-Hutten, Miriam M R, Hermens, Hermie J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - therapy; Delivery of Health Care - organization & administration; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Physician-Patient Relations; Quality of Life; Remote Consultation; Social Support; Videoconferencing
• ISSN: 1357-633X; 1758-1109
• DOI: 10.1258/135763306777978434

Management of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mainly consists of (psycho) social support and advice on activities of daily living. We evaluated the effects of tele-treatment in addition to the conventional method of care in four patients with ALS. A Web application was built with information about ALS and a link to the tele-treatment environment. The latter contained a chat room and a link to start personal computer (PC)-based videoconferencing with a rehabilitation physician. The effect on quality of care was evaluated by questionnaires and interviews. The interviews showed that patients were satisfied with tele-treatment and experienced a pleasant contact during teleconsultations. The rehabilitation physician experienced acceptance of tele-treatment by the patients and a decrease in the time needed for travelling. Tele-treatment was especially suitable for discussing the practical issues about ALS. On the other hand, psychosocial and emotional issues still needed to be discussed during traditional face-to-face contact. Therefore tele-treatment should only be given in addition to face-to-face contact, rather than as a replacement for it.