A study performed led by Cleveland Clinic researchers and published recently in The Journal of Knee Surgery suggests several clinical and operational benefits associated with using the Virtual Exercise Rehabilitation Assistant (VERA) platform from Reflexion Health.

In the study, researchers evaluated the use of telerehabilitation, using VERA, during the post-op period for 157 patients who underwent knee surgery. Measures evaluated included: patient compliance and adherence to the VERA program; time spent performing physical therapy exercises with VERA; overall usability of the platform; and clinical outcome scores based on traditional knee replacement recovery regimens.

Across the entire study population for the duration of the study, adherence to all prescribed home therapy was objectively measured at nearly 80%. Patients in the study spent an average of approximately 27 minutes per day exercising over the course of an average 30 days in recovery.

The combination of patient educational materials and objective exercise performance information from the VERA platform, combined with occasional 15-minute telemedicine visits (averaging of 2.5 per patient) enabled patients and clinicians to have fewer than four in-person visits (average of 3.4) during the entire recovery period. This resulted in associated savings in time, steps, and money for patients, providers, and payors, explains a media release from Reflexion Health.

By study conclusion, patient scores for pain and knee function improved significantly, with increased overall patient satisfaction attributed to the remote access, the favorable usability score and remote monitoring features of the virtual, at-home therapy regimen.

“The Cleveland Clinic study supports our unique approach to home-based virtual physical therapy and the VERA system. By using VERA, patients demonstrate superior adherence to their treatment regimen, fewer in-person visits to the hospital or clinic, and arguably most importantly, they express greater enthusiasm for and engagement in their recovery program,” says Joseph Smith, MD, PhD, chief executive officer, Reflexion Health, in the release.

“By giving patients and providers back time, steps and money, rehabilitation from surgery becomes a far more pleasant, cost-effective and efficient experience for everyone involved.”

[Source(s): Reflexion Health, PR Newswire]